ESPN reports that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Johnson is expected to

This offseason, the Steelers aren’t afraid to take advantage of talent within their own  Patrick Queen.

Boyd hasn’t exactly been Cincinnati’s top priority as they manage Tee Higgins’ and Ja’Marr Chase’s possible future deals. After Higgins asked for a trade two days ago in reaction to being franchise-tagged, that song is definitely going to alter. When Higgins missed five games this season, Boyd proved he was more than capable of contributing in a WR2 role, despite dropping to third in the rankings in recent years.

During the last two seasons of his rookie deal, Boyd caught 166 catches for 2,074 yards and 12 touchdowns, which was his highest output. The Bengals signed Boyd to a $43 million, four-year extension, which just expired, because of his production. Boyd has been in competition with Chase and Higgins for targets, but he has still made a significant contribution even though he hasn’t reached 1,000 yards receiving or seven touchdowns since.

In 2023, Boyd’s season totals of 667 receiving yards and two touchdowns were the lowest since his sophomore year, during which he missed six games. The Bengals’ infamous policy of not awarding third contracts to veterans further clouds his prospects of staying in his current residence.

Given that Boyd spent his whole undergraduate career as a Pitt Panther, playing in Acrisure Stadium (then known as Heinz Field), Pittsburgh makes sense. Being a native of the Pittsburgh region and graduate of Clairton High School, Boyd would be returning home if he signed with the division rival Steelers. Boyd blends in perfectly, especially considering that veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson recently left via trade. Boyd would quickly establish himself as a reliable veteran presence in Pittsburgh, where the only other experienced starter in the receiving corps is currently George Pickens.

It appears to be a decision that benefits both sides. Cincinnati may determine that in order to maintain its receiving trifecta, Boyd is worth breaking their priceless tradition, just as they did with Trey Hendrickson the previous season. Pittsburghmay decide to use the draft or free agency to pursue a younger path. Although the Steelers frequently succeed in selecting wide receivers in the draft, Boyd’s background might be exactly what Russell Wilson needs in 2024.

The Bengals plan to bolster their defense with some new players. The team is nearing a deal with free agency defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Tonight is when the agreement is supposed to be finalized. As reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Rankins will receive $26 million over the course of a two-year contract.

Rankins signed a one-year, $10.5MM contract with the Texans last summer after spending two years with the Jets. He finished with 37 tackles, one forced fumble, and six sacks—the latter being his highest total since the 2018 season—having started all 15 of his games for Houston. Pro Football Focus’ positional rankings only had Rankins ranked 51st, despite his newly acquired ability to pressure the passer.

The former first-round selection offers Cincinnati a wealth of experience. Throughout his 109 appearances with the Saints, Jets, and Texans, Rankins has racked up 228 tackles and 29.5 sacks. Rankins has been a starter in recent years after playing as a rotational player in his last two seasons in New Orleans and his first year in New York.According to Fowler, the Bengals have been looking for some “firepower up front.” The team does still have some depth at defensive tackle; in the last two seasons, B.J. Hill has started 33 games, and Zach Carter has made 14 starts in 33 games as a valuable injury stand-in.

Nevertheless, the Bengals are claiming to have a complete depth chart up front, and even with Rankins’ addition, the front office might not be finished. According to Fowler, D.J. Reader, a free agent defensive tackle, is reportedly traveling to Detroit to speak with the Lions, but the Bengals are still interested in keeping him.