Five candidates for Bengals to replace WR Tyler Boyd

Cincinnati officially will be without Tyler Boyd next season as the wideout signed with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday.

Here are five candidates who could replace him in 2024:

Hunter Renfrow

The Bengals still have over $20 million left in cap space, and signing a replacement for Boyd is not the worst idea. 

Renfrow would be the perfect plug-and-play candidate as he has played most of his snaps at slot receiver during his time with the Raiders. Since his productive 2021 season where he had 1,083 yards and nine touchdowns, Renfrow has not lived up to expectations. But a fresh start in the Bengals offense could be what he needs to jump-start his career.

Trenton Irwin

Irwin has been a do-it-all type of receiver in his time with Cincinnati, and now he will likely be asked to play a major role in the slot next season.

Irwin's numbers last year would not blow anyone away, accounting for just 316 yards and one touchdown. But a new role in the Bengals offense could lead to an increase in production for the fifth-year player.

Charlie Jones

Perhaps the most likely option is Jones as he is a natural slot receiver, but his low snap counts in the offense are worrisome. Jones had just seven receptions in his rookie season. Don't be surprised if Zac Taylor isn't quite ready to give the reins over to the inexperienced wideout.

Jermaine Burton

The rookie receiver will play a pivotal role in the offense this year, regardless of where he lines up. But that could be as a slot receiver. 

Burton played most snaps at outside receiver with the Crimson Tide, but he does have experience playing slot. The young wideout is athletic enough to make the transition in his first year.

Mike Gesicki:

Gesicki may be a tight end, but he has lined up as a slot receiver plenty of times in his NFL career. Putting the 6-foot-6 pass catcher at slot receiver would create an instant mismatch against defenders and allow Joe Burrow a big target to exploit in a pass-heavy offense.