Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for what may be the legendary quarterback’s final season before he retires. Rodgers has openly stated that this will be his last year in the NFL.
Now, a seasoned wide receiver might be joining him for this final chapter.
Aaron Rodgers Reportedly Open to Veteran WR Teaming Up With Steelers
Veteran slot receiver Tyler Boyd may be the perfect addition to the Steelers’ offense now that Rodgers is on board.
Boyd, who hails from the Pittsburgh area, recently expressed interest in returning home to play for the Steelers. During a youth football camp in Clairton, Pennsylvania on June 28, Boyd spoke with Pittsburgh Sports Now reporter Austin Bechtold and didn’t shy away from the idea.
“Absolutely,” Boyd said when asked if he’d consider signing with the Steelers. “All my family is here. They’d be able to support me at every game.”
Boyd added that he sees a potential deal with Pittsburgh as “very realistic.”
“I think so,” he noted. “Coach Tomlin and I are cool. He’s always treated me well and we talk after every game.”
Boyd also shared that his relationship with Mike Tomlin dates back to his college days at the University of Pittsburgh.
“We’ve always had a good connection,” Boyd said. “If it happens, it happens. If not, that’s okay too.”
Though Pittsburgh’s greater need might be on the outside rather than in the slot, Boyd’s playing style aligns well with Rodgers’ preferences. The veteran QB thrives when targeting the middle of the field—making precise route-runners and slot receivers like Boyd valuable weapons. He previously found great success with similar receivers such as Davante Adams and Randall Cobb.
With DK Metcalf locked in as the primary outside receiver and Calvin Austin potentially filling the WR2 (Z receiver) role, Boyd could step in as a mentor and contributor in the slot, potentially aiding second-year receiver Roman Wilson’s development.
Boyd is coming off a rough year with the Tennessee Titans, managing just 390 yards on significantly fewer targets than in previous seasons. Still, his yards-per-catch average (10.0) remained consistent with his last year in Cincinnati, where he logged 667 yards.
Turning 31 in November, Boyd may not be the same dynamic playmaker he once was, but he remains a dependable option with sure hands—possibly challenging Robert Woods for a spot as the team’s veteran receiver.
Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan will need to avoid repeating last year’s mistake of relying too heavily on unproven names like Austin, Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek. In 2024, George Pickens led the receiving corps, and while Metcalf now takes over that top role, additional help is still required.
