The Miami Dolphins are still looking for an affordable option for their third wide receiver position behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The team invited veteran Odell Beckham Jr. for an official visit in late March, but they didn't reach an agreement.
The Dolphins have also inquired about Cincinnati Bengals free agent Tyler Boyd — who has been a consistent slot receiver in the NFL for eight years. When discussing Boyd as a potential fit for the.
Pittsburgh Steelers on April 2, The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly revealed that “Boyd has at least had initial interest from the [Kansas City] Chiefs [Los Angeles] Chargers, [Detroit] Lions, Dolphins, [San Francisco] 49ers and It's unclear when this “interest” occurred, but it's noteworthy that Miami has looked into Boyd as a potential WR3 candidate..”
Given his history as a two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver and 2021-22 AFC champion who still gained over 650 yards last season, Boyd may be too expensive for the Dolphins at this time. However, the Dolphins will have enough room to pursue Boyd after June 1 once
Xavien Howard’s contract is off the books. cap hit If Boyd remains available until then, he could become a late-offseason target for Dolphins general manager Chris Grier ahead of the 2024 season..
Is Tyler Boyd’s Anticipated Price Feasible for the Dolphins?
It's evident that Boyd has not received the offer he's been seeking early in the offseason.
Before free agency,
Pro Football Focus predicted that the Bengals role player would earn a two-year contract averaging $8.25 million per season. This estimate included $10 million in guaranteed money — which is a bit high for the Dolphins who currently have approximately $4.8 million available. This is just a projection, and it's important to note that NFL GMs often find ways to structure cap hits creatively. They may backload contracts or add void years to spread out the money long-term.
The Dolphins could afford to acquire Boyd after June 1, but the key question is whether they intend to invest this much in a WR3 after putting significant resources into Hill and Waddle.
It's also uncertain if Boyd’s price may decrease over time. Perhaps, he could sign a one-year contract with a Super Bowl contender in the end.
NFL Analyst Considers Tyler Boyd a Good Fit for Cardinals in Free Agency
The 33rd Team’s
Dan Pizzuta identified the “best team fit” for each of the top free agents still available on March 28. He suggested that Boyd could join a team that wasn't mentioned by Kaboly — the Arizona Cardinals “As an older, slot-only player, Tyler Boyd might find it challenging to find the right team. His production dropped to just 1.16 yards per route run in 2023, which was not favorable. But Boyd’s tall frame (he’s unusually tall for a slot receiver at 6 feet 2 inches) and ability to find open space in the defense make him an asset to any passing game..
The NFL expert thought Boyd could assist a rookie wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr., while also getting the deserved payment he wants.
“Boyd would be an experienced player in an offense that could include Harrison Jr. and 2023 third-round pick
Michael Wilson Trey McBride, with at tight end as the main 11 personnel grouping,” Pizzuta continued. Adding: “Boyd could provide Kyler Murray a larger target in the middle of the field, which would be better than the other options the Cardinals have previously given Murray — such as Rondale Moore A long-time NFL reporter conveyed that the Dolphins have at least asked about a free agent wide receiver who has a very consistent track record in the league. or Greg Dortch.”
