BREAKING: Patriots Named a Fit for $43 Million Receiver

The New England Patriots are in need of reconstructing their wide receiver group, and Cincinnati Bengals’ Tyler Boyd remains an option. Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon highlighted Boyd as one of the top choices for the Patriots. Boyd, who previously held a four-year, $43 million contract with the Bengals, is currently a free agent.

Throughout his eight-year career, Boyd has accumulated 513 receptions, 6,000 yards, and 31 touchdowns. Notably, he achieved two 1,000-yard seasons in 2018 and 2019, maintaining an average of 64.1 receptions, 750 yards, and 3.9 touchdowns per year.

Kenyon pointed out that Boyd’s production saw a decline following the addition of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to the Bengals’ roster. However, he remained a crucial part of the offense, consistently recording 58 or more receptions each season as the third option.

With Higgins being franchise-tagged this offseason and expressing interest in a trade, Boyd’s future with the Bengals is uncertain. While a return to Cincinnati is plausible if Higgins departs, it’s not guaranteed.

Although Boyd’s statistics in the previous season were less impressive, his performances in 2022 and 2021 showcased more promise. In 2022, he tallied 58 receptions for 762 yards and five touchdowns, and in 2021, he recorded 67 catches for 828 yards and five touchdowns.

Tyler Boyd: 6’2” 203lbs.

40% Contested catch rate in 2023, 51.7% rate for his career.

46.9% of his targets came with 3+ yards of separation in 2023

Perfect for WR3. pic.twitter.com/PLhZ1DXlNO

— Patrick Storm (@PatrickStormHTX) March 16, 2024

In 2023, Tyler Boyd’s individual statistics surpassed those of any receiver in the New England Patriots’ wide receiver unit. He recorded more yards than the Patriots’ top receiver, DeMario Douglas, who had 49 receptions for 561 yards but no touchdowns that season. Despite receiver Kendrick Bourne achieving a four-touchdown season, he only managed 37 catches for 406 yards. Additionally, JuJu Smith-Schuster fell short of expectations with 29 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown.

New England Can Easily Afford Tyler Boyd

If the Patriots decide to pursue Tyler Boyd, it wouldn’t put a strain on their finances. According to Spotrac’s projections, he’s estimated to command $8.7 million annually or a three-year contract totaling $26.14 million.

With the Patriots having a considerable $48.49 million in salary cap space available, adding Boyd would be financially feasible. Furthermore, they would gain a dependable and durable receiver, as Boyd has only missed three games over the past four seasons.

Boyd’s last significant injury occurred in December 2018 when he suffered an MCL sprain, causing him to miss two games. Prior to that, he had an MCL sprain in October 2017, leading to a four-game absence.

Throughout his eight seasons with the Bengals, Cincinnati has relied on Boyd as a consistent and healthy presence on the field. He was originally drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh.

Patriots Could Have Competition for Tyler Boyd

According to Kenyon, if the New England Patriots fail to secure Tyler Boyd, there’s potential for him to return to Pittsburgh but with the Steelers. Additionally, Kenyon suggests that other suitable destinations for Boyd include the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite the Patriots’ efforts, they have yet to secure a top-tier wide receiver in free agency. Calvin Ridley, one of their targets, recently opted to sign with the Tennessee Titans, despite earlier speculation that the decision might come down to the Patriots or his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While the Patriots could opt to acquire a quality wide receiver in the upcoming draft, it appears more likely that they will prioritize selecting a quarterback with their No. 3 pick, rather than targeting Ohio State standout receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

This suggests that the Patriots may focus on selecting a receiver later in the draft, potentially in the second round or beyond.