Lions reportedly had early interest in top remaining available free agent wide receiver

The Detroit Lions have one notable subtraction from their wide receiver room (Josh Reynolds) this offseason, with no outside additions as of yet. But as the departure of Reynolds loomed and became inevitable, they were apparently looking at some options.

According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic (subscription required), the Lions were among the teams who showed preliminary interest in free agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd.

"Boyd has at least had preliminary interest from the Chiefs, Chargers, Dolphins, Lions and 49ers”.

The Steelers have been tied to Boyd a lot, and as the Steelers' beat writer for The Athletic Kaboly answered a question about Boyd by saying he feels "the ship with the Steelers has sailed." A prior report from Kaboly suggested the Steelers made an offer to Boyd, but are not prepared to increase it.

Boyd spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, topping 600 yards in all but one season and crossing 1,000 yards twice. He has played more than 70 percent of snaps in six straight seasons.

Free agency rumors: Should the Lions circle back to Tyler Boyd?

Boyd primarily played in the slot for the Bengals, but is plenty capable of lining up on the outside. His lingering availability may be, at least based the reports from Kaboly specific to the Steelers, rooted in his asking price. As we now cross into April and the draft nears, that asking price may drop.

Pro Football Focus and Spotrac have, or had may be the better word at this point, his market value at $8.25 million and $8.7 million per year respectively.

The longer he remains available, the idea Boyd will get a multi-year deal this offseason is fading. His options are also dwindling, and it's at best unclear if the teams who showed preliminary interest have maintained any level of interest.

The Lions have some level of need at wide receiver, which they made just address in the draft. Boyd may (should?) still be able to find a bigger role elsewhere, as was part of the idea why Reynolds would leave.

It was and still is unlikely the Lions will sign Boyd, even if/when his price drops. But the idea they had some interest is a little eye-opening, and there's a small percentage chance they circle back if Boyd remains available in the coming weeks.