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Pittsburgh Steelers Quietly Steal Brandon Boykin Via Trade

By Erik Lambert

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Dec 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) can not make a catch against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin (22) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. The Eagles beat the Cowboys 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Chip Kelly continues to build the team he wants, and it continues to baffle Philadelphia Eagles fan base.  The latest to be shipped out of town is slot cornerback Brandon Boykin.  In the final year of his rookie contract, word was that the 25-year old wanted an expanded role on defense beyond the nickel position that he has thrived at since arriving in the NFL.

However, Kelly has shown an affinity for bigger corners on his defenses and likely wasn’t willing to make that concession, leading to the belief that Boykin would’ve left in free agency if given the chance.

Over the past two seasons he has become the most consistent and best corner the Eagles had, posting coverage ratings of +16.3 and +6.8 according to Pro Football Focus with seven interceptions and three forced fumbles in that span.  Yet it was his 5’10” frame that ultimately wore out his time in Philly.

Not that it matters to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Their pass coverage was the sixth-worst in the league last season.  At the heart of it was their underwhelming group of cornerbacks which allowed 20 touchdown passes for the year with just nine interceptions to show for it.  Four of the six of them allowed a quarterback rating of 93 or better.  Boykin allowed no touchdowns and just a 77.2 rating when throwing his way.

Safe to say he could be a downright steal for that defense considering they gave up a conditional 5th round pick to get him.  Much will depend on what their plans are for him on defense.  If it’s similar to his role in Philadelphia based in the slot, this could go down as a one-year rental situation and the Steelers plan to let him walk.

On the other hand, they could secure themselves a capable young corner for their secondary if they are willing to at least offer further opportunities as a starter.

Either way this is a win-win situation for both sides.

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