Tag: Tyler Boyd

Titans’ updated cap space after Tyler Boyd, Nick Vannett deals revealed

A look at the Titans’ updated cap space after the contracts for Tyler Boyd (an absolute steal) and Nick Vannett were revealed.

The Tennessee Titans’ most recent free-agent signings were wide receiver Tyler Boyd and tight end Nick Vannett. Both of those contracts have been fully revealed, giving us an updated look at Tennessee’s cap space.

According to Over the Cap, Boyd’s one-year deal is worth $2.4 million, with half of that being guaranteed. It was originally reported as worth up to $4.2 million, so we can assume there’s about $1.8 million in incentives. This deal is an absolute steal.

Vannett’s deal is worth $1.21 million over one year and includes just $250,000 in guaranteed money. If cut, the Titans would save $985,000.

With those contracts on the books, the Titans now have $20.02 million in effective cap space (the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster), per OTC.

Tennessee has ample room to make more moves, including a significant one at safety, where the team has a question mark at a starting spot. If I had to pick, the next signing will come there, and hopefully it’ll be Justin Simmons.

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DeAndre Hopkins has high praise for Titans’ revamped WRs room

Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins had high praise for the team’s new-look receiving corps.

The Tennessee Titans’ receiving corps. is going to look a lot different this year after the signings of Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, both of whom provide major upgrades over what the team had last year.

What did the team have last year? Well, it was pretty much DeAndre Hopkins and nobody else, which allowed defenses to key in on him, making his job more difficult.

Despite the extra attention, Hopkins still managed to put up 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns and serve as Will Levis’ top target. He also put to bed the idea that he’s washed.

Hopkins recently touched on the Titans’ revamped receiving corps., saying the group is one of the best he’s ever been a part of, at least on paper.

“I think this is one of the best wide receiver groups I’ve had the chance to play with on paper,” Hopkins said, according to Jim Wyatt. “Obviously, I could come up here and say a bunch, but we haven’t played a game yet. So, we’ll see how it goes once we hit the field.

“(We’re) just taking it day by day. Tyler Boyd has been in this program for a while. A lot of us are still learning how things go. Just coming out practicing.”

While Boyd is the newest member of the team, he already has a great familiarity with the offense, as he played under head coach Brian Callahan during his days as the Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator.

But for Hopkins, it’s back to square one this year as he tries to learn a new offense after having familiarity with last year’s system under offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, who he played under in Houston.

“This is an offense I have never played in,” Hopkins said. “There’s a lot of things I can do to help this offense, so trying to execute and be perfect. I am a perfectionist, and I’ve definitely made some mistakes already. Just come in the next day and not make those mistakes.”

Hopkins isn’t lacking motivation ahead of his 12th season in the NFL and, in fact, the Titans bringing in more help has motivated him even more.

“I am always competing,” Hopkins said. “Any time we get anyone who is a No.1 receiver, my mindset is to go out and outcompete them, outdo them. I’ve always had that mindset, Kobe Bryant being my favorite athlete of all time.

“Any time I get a chance to compete against anyone I am trying to outcompete them, trying to outdo them. And that’s only going to make the team better.”

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Tyler Boyd talks joining Titans, playing with Will Levis

Tyler Boyd talks joining the Titans, reuniting with Brian Callahan, and playing with Will Levis.

Earlier this offseason, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said he was looking for someone to emerge in the slot. But instead of relying on an in-house guy to step up, the Titans simply went out and signed Tyler Boyd, who was the best slot receiver available.

Despite playing for a new team for the first time in his career after eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, Boyd enters a familiar situation in Tennessee, as he returns to play under Callahan, who was his offensive coordinator for five seasons in Cincy.

“I trust Cally’s way of operating because he did it in Cincy,” Boyd said on The Buck Reising Show. “I feel like I was one of the missing pieces for us to put it together and be mentioned as a contending team.”

“It’s definitely weird — I’d been with Cincy eight years, this is my ninth year,” Boyd said, per Jim Wyatt. “Just having a different (uniform) on, it’s new beginnings. But I don’t look at it like it might be hard, or I have to readapt. I am older, I’m a vet, and I know what to expect.

“These guys around here are all cool, and it feels right,” he added. “It just feels right… This just felt at home to me.”

The addition of Boyd completes an impressive trio atop the depth chart for the Titans, along with Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins. Boyd said he’s already familiar with both.

“Calvin, I knew him throughout the league, and also Hop,” he said. “Two great players, and well deserving of their accomplishments and what they do. I can learn from those guys, and they can learn from me.

“And having that trio of us is going to make this whole offense even more deadly.”

Boyd is also high on the guy who will be throwing him passes, quarterback Will Levis.

“He’s a great, talented guy,” Boyd said. “He has to get more experience in the offense, but I think he has what it takes to take this offense to where it should be.”

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Former Bengals WR Tyler Boyd talks about fit with Titans

Some comments from Tyler Boyd.

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd is in familiar territory as gets ready to help along an up-and-coming quarterback for a team that hopes to do the same.

Now a member of the Tennessee Titnas, Boyd inevitably was asked about how he fits with his new team compared to his last.

“It’s definitely weird – I’d been with Cincy eight years, this is my ninth year,” Boyd said, according to Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ website. “Just having a different (uniform) on, it’s new beginnings. But I don’t look at it like it might be hard, or I have to readapt. I am older, I’m a vet, and I know what to expect. These guys around here are all cool, and it feels right. It just feels right. … This just felt at home to me.”

Over the course of those eight years, Boyd had a fitting 513 receptions for exactly 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Now, like he helped along Joe Burrow during a rebuild, he’ll strive to do the same alongside Will Levis and the Titans.

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Bengals say thank you to Tyler Boyd

A goodbye to Tyler Boyd.

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially moved on from wide receiver Tyler Boyd now that he has signed with the Tennessee Titans to reunite with his former offensive coordinator Brian Callahan.

The Bengals official Twitter account posted a video thanking Boyd for everything he did while he was in Cincinnati with a simple message.

“Thank you for everything, TB,” the tweet read.

It’s a well-deserved send-off for Boyd, who spent the first eight years of his career with the team, amassing 513 receptions for exactly 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns.

He stuck with the Bengals through the down years while they were building the AFC powerhouse that they have become today and through a coaching transition.

Boyd will be remembered fondly by Bengals fans.

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Titans’ Will Levis, Brian Callahan talk addition of Tyler Boyd

Titans QB Will Levis has reached out to WR Tyler Boyd and is excited to have him on board to help learn the offense.

The Tennessee Titans made an addition to their wide receivers room this week, with the team agreeing to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd.

The addition of Boyd not only strengthens Tennessee’s receiving corps., it also gives the team someone who has experience in head coach Brian Callahan’s offense.

Boyd played for five seasons under Callahan, serving as the team’s slot receiver.

“He hasn’t signed the papers, just to put that out there,” Callahan said, per Jim Wyatt. “That will be official sooner than later, but not quite yet. But Tyler is a slot receiver — that’s what he does. That’s where he’s made his money, that’s where his production has come from. He’s a fantastic slot receiver on top of it.

“Most importantly I think he’s an awesome addition to the locker room. He’s a great human being, great worker, and everything about him is what we want to be about. So, to add him is an impactful add for us, and I’m excited about it.”

Boyd’s experience in the offense will be especially valuable to quarterback Will Levis, something he fully realizes.

“I texted TB: I can’t wait to learn the offense from you,” Levis said. “It’s cool to watch the tape and all the cut-ups of him balling out, and making all these plays. And, on the teach tape, running these routes exactly like we’re telling everyone else to. That’s going to be some great insight to hear from a guy who has been in the offense and knows what it is like when the bullets are flying.”

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Titans’ updated WR depth chart after Tyler Boyd signing

Bryce Lazenby breaks down the Titans’ current situation at wide receiver and makes a prediction for how things will ultimately shake out.

The Tennessee Titans made another addition to the wide receiver room on Tuesday, officially agreeing to terms with veteran Tyler Boyd.

This news comes after the Titans met with fellow receiver Zay Jones on Monday. Boyd originally visited with the Titans last week, so it looks like the team wanted to meet with Jones before making a decision.

Boyd comes to Nashville after eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Since 2017, Boyd has had at least 55 catches and 660 yards in each season. Boyd eclipsed the 1000-yard mark in both 2017 and 2018. The former Bengal is not a burner, but he’s a reliable route-runner with sure hands.

The Titans made their first notable addition to the WR room by signing Calvin Ridley shortly after the beginning of free agency. Boyd and Ridley join DeAndre Hopkins, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Treylon Burks, among others, in a revamped receiver room.

With these new additions, let’s take a look at the current Titans wide receiver depth chart.

Position Starter Backup Backup Backup
WR1 DeAndre Hopkins Treylon Burks Colton Dowell Tre’Shaun Harrison
WR2 Calvin Ridley Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Kearis Jackson Mason Kinsey
WR3 Tyler Boyd Kyle Philips Jha’Quan Jackson

This group is much improved over the 2023 iteration. In fact, this could be the most talented wide receiver group the Titans have ever fielded.

Hopkins and Ridley are a perfect complement to one another. Hopkins is one of the best contested-catch receivers in the league and Ridley is a burner who can be a weapon on deep balls. Boyd adds another distinct element as a possession receiver who is a savvy route-runner.

Behind that top three, the Titans have to be hoping for former first-round pick Treylon Burks to finally play up to his draft pedigree. The addition of Boyd could be seen as insurance in case Burks continues to struggle. I believe Burks will get one season with the new staff before any decisions are made about his future.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was brought back this offseason and should make the team as a reliable depth option. The team also rosters several speedy receivers who will battle for the return job in Mason Kinsey, Kearis Jackson, and 2024 draft pick, Jha’Quan Jackson.

Ultimately, I believed the final depth chart will look something like this:

Position Starter Backup
WR1 DeAndre Hopkins Treylon Burks
WR2 Calvin Ridley Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
WR3 Tyler Boyd Jha’Quan Jackson

I have the rookie Jackson making the team for now, but a sixth-round pick is not guaranteed a spot. Kearis Jackson impressed before getting injured in 2023, so either he or Philips could realistically win the final roster spot over the Tulane product.

This is a much more competitive group than it was a year ago. It will be fascinating to watch these guys battle for spots this summer.

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Grade for Titans signing WR Tyler Boyd

Matthew Curry breaks down the Titans’ signing of WR Tyler Boyd and gives it a grade.

The Tennessee Titans made a late offseason splash on Tuesday afternoon, with the team reportedly inking veteran wide receiver Tyler Boyd to a one-year pact.

The deal is worth up to $4.5 million, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, and while guarantees have yet to be revealed, the deal figures to be a bargain for Tennessee.

Boyd, the owner of 513 career receptions, will shore up Tennessee’s slot position with a more reliable option than the Titans had on their roster.

What grade does this move deserve? Let’s break it down.

I wrote about Boyd being a potential target for the Titans last week because the connection here was obvious. Boyd spent the previous five seasons playing under Titans head coach Brian Callahan and saw great success.

Over those five years, Boyd racked up 4,144 yards and 21 touchdowns and proved to be a reliable security blanket for quarterbacks such as Andy Dalton and Joe Burrow.

In his most recent season of work, Boyd recorded 667 yards on 67 catches, adding two scores. He would’ve been the second-most productive receiver on the Titans last year after DeAndre Hopkins.

Boyd projects to be the Titans’ No. 3 receiver behind Calvin Ridley and the aforementioned Hopkins, and this move adds to the excellent job the Titans have done surrounding Will Levis with proven veteran talent this offseason.

Overall, this was an excellent signing by Ran Carthon and Co. Tennessee had a need in the slot and addressed it. The $4.5 million dollar deal has serious bargain potential.

Grade: A-

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Former Bengals WR Tyler Boyd signs with Titans in free agency

Tyler Boyd finds a new team.

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd has landed in one of the more oft-predicted locations in free agency.

Tuesday, word broke that Boyd has signed elsewhere in the AFC with the Tennessee Titans.

That means Boyd reunites with former Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, now head coach of the Titans.

The odd man out in the Ja’Marr Chase-Tee Higgins equation at wide receiver, Boyd finished his Bengals career with a fitting 513 catches for 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Cincinnati moves forward at the wideout spot with third-rounder Jermaine Burton, sophomores Charlie Jones and Andre Iosivias and even veterans such as Trenton Irwin.

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Titans QB Will Levis reacts to signing of WR Tyler Boyd

Titans QB Will Levis took to social media to react to Tennessee signing WR Tyler Boyd.

Nobody is having a better offseason than Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis, who has seen the team seriously beef up his supporting cast ahead of his second season in the NFL.

The Titans made yet another key addition in free agency on Tuesday, with the team reportedly signing veteran slot receiver Tyler Boyd to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million.

The expectation is that Boyd will become the No. 3 option in the receivers room behind Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins, which also slides fellow wide receiver Treylon Burks down to No. 4, giving Tennessee far better depth than it had in 2023.

In the process, Levis is in a much better position to succeed than he was last season, especially when you consider the improvements Tennessee has also made to the offensive line, both in free agency and through the draft.

Here’s how Levis reacted to the move:

We should get our first look at Boyd on the practice field when the Titans take part in mandatory minicamp on June 4.

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