NFL Free Agency: Washington Commanders Targeting Tall Slot WR Tyler Boyd?

The Washington Commanders have added a lot of talent, but could do even more by pursuing receiver Tyler Boyd who remains on the free agent market.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) runs the ball in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings. / Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

The Washington Commanders already have star receiver Terry McLaurin and third-year first round pick Jahan Dotson on their roster to help support whichever rookie quarterback we anticipate them bringing in via the NFL Draft later this month.

While McLaurin and Dotson are certainly nice weapons, can the Commanders ever have too many? Especially with a young quarterback just entering the league, we'd argue no, they can't.

Clearly, Bleacher Report is on the same page, as they projected receiver Tyler Boyd as a remaining free agent target Washington should consider bringing in during this phase of the offseason.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) runs the ball in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings. / Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

"The Commanders have been very busy during the offseason as they signed several free agents, the majority of which were done to help build up the supporting cast for a rookie quarterback," says Bleacher Report. "While the front office did agree to a one-year, $1.125 million deal with slot receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, that small of a contract shouldn't prevent them from going after a better player in Boyd. The former Bengal has had over 600 receiving yards in seven out of eight career seasons and would be a reliable target for a young passer to lean on."

The fact Boyd hasn't signed with a new team yet is a bit surprising, but his availability should intrigue a team like the Commanders who have been very smart in the contract payouts they've agreed to already and could feasibly agree to one here that helps protect the team's future while adding more talent this and the next couple of seasons.

But Boyd's availability as we near mid-April doesn't mean Washington could get him for bargain prices. Especially if his market is as active as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler indicates.

"I'm told several teams have remained interested over the last month or so," Fowler said. "But it's just a situation where he's probably going to wait until after the draft be that May 2nd option for a team who doesn't fill their need in the draft over those first few days."

Many have been calling for the Commanders to add more talent to the receiver room, specifically eyeing taller weapons.

Boyd comes in a couple of inches over six feet tall so he's not the tallest guy, but is certainly taller than anyone on the Washington roster today.

Could he be a target for the Commanders this deep into the offseason? All indications point to it being possible, especially if they don't come away with a suitable player in this month's NFL Draft.

Boyd has played eight NFL seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals and turns 30 in November. He has exceeded 1,000 yards receiving twice in his career but has not done so since 2019.