While the rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals has not been as fierce in recent seasons, it dates back to a controversial 2005 season that ended with up-and-coming quarterback Carson Palmer’s damaged ACL.
Following that game, a dramatic rivalry developed, culminating in the 2015 playoff game, in which Cincinnati squandered the game by committing two severe personal fouls at the end of regulation, allowing a game-tying field goal. To put it clearly, there is no love lost between these towns, who are only a four-hour drive apart, and Pittsburgh may be stealing one of Cincinnati’s most powerful weapons.
Steelers’ Offensive Woes in 2023
While the Pittsburgh Steelers managed to make the playoffs with a 9-8 record, it was clear to everyone that the offense was weak for the majority of the 2023 season. After struggling to build on an adequate 2022 season, there is already speculation that Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett may not be the Steel City’s future.
following being benched two years ago, quarterback Mason Rudolph may be vying for a starting place next season following a good finish in 2023. While anyone can speculate on who the starting quarterback will be, there is also talk about trying to find potential backup for whoever wins the job.
While wide outs Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are talented, Pittsburgh’s wide receiver group is not among the best in the NFL. Third receiver Allen Robinson struggled to make an impact, catching only 34 passes for 280 yards and no touchdowns.
Pickens was the only player on the squad to reach 1,000 yards, although both Johnson and Pickens caused far more drama than any head coach would like throughout the season. If the team wants to strengthen its passing game next season, bolstering the wide receiver room could be a good way to start.
Pittsburgh Could Take Top Talent From Rival Bengals
Now that we’ve established that Pittsburgh is particularly in need of wings, let’s look at a geographically close opponent that is well-stocked in that category. If you check over the depth chart for prospective candidates to move east into Pennsylvania, Tyler Boyd will stand out as an apparent choice.
Boyd
grew up in Clairton, Pennsylvania, a few miles southeast of Pittsburgh, before succeeding as a slot receiver (ironically, the position Pittsburgh most needs). He went on to play college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh before being picked by Cincinnati with the 61st overall pick in 2016.
Boyd, who was picked by Cincinnati, has established himself as one of the top slot receivers in the NFL, with 513 receptions, 6,000 receiving yards, and 31 touchdowns in eight seasons.
In addition to his amazing accomplishments, Boyd is significantly more gifted than his numbers indicate, since he has fallen behind in the pecking order in Cincinnati now that the team has drafted two new superstar receivers in Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. If Boyd were on a club with a less skilled receiving corps, he would be more than capable of crossing the 1,000-yard mark, like he did in 2018 and 2019.
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Given Boyd’s status as a third receiving option and his depreciated numbers, he will most likely be available for a discount price of $10 to $15 million per season. While that may seem like a lot, the value of bringing in a man talented enough to be a first or second choice at receiver is rather extraordinary.
Pittsburgh would be wise to bring in Boyd to start on the perimeter with Pickens and move Johnson into the interior. At 5’10”, Johnson is better suited to catching fast routes over the center than deep passes. Boyd could potentially play the slot role he mastered in Cincinnati if he looks good in camp.
As difficult as it is for Cincinnati supporters to see Boyd leave, it is understood that he will play for his hometown team. After all, one of the most exciting experiences for a high school or university athlete in Pittsburgh is to play at Heinz Field (now Acrisure Stadium after the name change), and Boyd’s return to the field as a Steeler would have to be a glorious occasion. Boyd would be a great value choice for Pittsburgh, with the potential to influence the offense immediately away.
