The biggest swing Saints could take at wide receiver

This offseason, the New Orleans Saints will focus on adding a left tackle, a receiver, and an edge defender, in addition to other different positions. However, it’s safe to say that those are some of the team’s top needs, and that’s why everyone is convinced the Saints will go in one of those directions with the 14th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

However, New Orleans only has one first-round pick. While the team has several other picks throughout the draft, the Saints will have to decide between taking a top tackle, receiver, or edge defender at No. 14. What the team does in free agency will have a big impact on that decision.

With free agency kicking off on Wednesday, March 13, there are several receivers that the Saints will be able to go after. Which free agent receiver is the biggest, realistic target for New Orleans, though? A look at the soon-to-be wide receivers and the answer is Tyler Boyd.

Saints should aggressively pursue Tyler Boyd in free agency

Boyd, who’s 29 years old, is preparing to leave the Cincinnati Bengals for the first time in his career. After eight seasons with the team, all signs point to a new squad for Boyd. The Bengals are loaded with young talent, and while Boyd has been great for them, they can’t afford to pay everyone.

Fortunately for the rest of the league, that means Boyd is available and he still has a lot to offer a team. In 2023, Tyler Boyd played in all 17 games, catching 67 passes for 667 yards and two touchdowns. This was accomplished while playing alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and without Joe Burrow. In addition to his receiving ability, Boyd can also block.

The Saints need Boyd as a blocker and a receiver. With Michael Thomas leaving, New Orleans needs a replacement to line up alongside Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Boyd is the perfect reliable veteran that’s also affordable for the Saints. According to Spotrac, Boyd’s market value is a three-year contract worth $26 million. The Saints need to find a way to pay Boyd $8.7 million a year and get him to New Orleans.

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