Although the 49ers (!), Lions (!), Dolphins, Chargers, and Chiefs are among the five teams that have expressed interest in signing Boyd, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reported that the Steelers had withdrew from the running to sign him. Boyd reportedly rejected a two-year, $10 million contract that Pittsburgh offered him.
Boyd is presumably aiming for more than $5 million year based on that. Though other NFC contenders like the 49ers and Lions have expressed interest, the Cowboys may find that to be a bit rich.
Nor does San Francisco appear to have an abundance of available capital. According to Over The Cap, they actually have less leftover cap room than Dallas ($3.676 million).
Although Deebo Samuel is still under contract with the 49ers, they must choose whether to offer Brandon Aiyuk a lucrative extension.
Although they don’t really need a receiver right now, the Lions could use one more after Josh Reynolds left in free agency. The fact that Detroit and San Francisco are also expressing interest is just another illustration of win-now teams doing all in their power to bolster their rosters following their disappointing postseason results.
While Boyd lacks a game-changing ability, his career has been fruitful. Before the Bengals drafted Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, he twice recorded 1,000 receiving yards. As Cincy’s third receiver since Chase was selected in the 2021 draft, Boyd has averaged 64 catches for 752 yards and four touchdowns.
That surpasses Gallup’s output, and he would be used similarly with the Cowboys in addition to Brandin Cooks and CeeDee Lamb. The 29-year-old Boyd can play in the slot and out wide, unlike Gallup. That would give Mike McCarthy the freedom to use Lamb in whatever way he saw fit.
Before Boyd leaves for the 49ers or Lions, whose rosters are now far superior to Dallas’, the Cowboys must wake up and give him a call.
