Saturday evening, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for cornerback Brandon Boykin in a move that was likely made because of the shoulder injury that rookie cornerback Senquez Golson is currently dealing with that could ultimately cost him the entire 2015 season.
Boykin, who is reportedly getting himself up to speed quickly with Steelers defense since arriving at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, is currently in the final year of his rookie contract. Even though a contract extension isn’t likely to happen for the Georgia product prior to the start of the regular-season, Boykin doesn’t sound too worried about it.
“That is the furthest thing from my mind right now,” Boykin said, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I am going to let my play speak for myself.”
The Steelers gave up a conditional 2016 fifth-round draft pick to acquire Boykin and that could turn into a fourth-round selection should he wind up playing 60% of the defensive snaps in 2015 with the Steelers.
As far as him currently being tabbed as a rent-a-player, that might ultimately be the case should he not receive a new contract in the coming weeks, as the Steelers don’t normally negotiate with players during the season.
Should Boykin’s contractual status remain unchanged, he will undoubtedly test free agency next offseason. Should he ultimately sign elsewhere come next March, the Steelers will more than likely receive a 2017 compensatory draft pick for the loss. Ideally, Boykin will have an incredible 2015 season as that would benefit both sides not only in the present, but in the future as well.
In his first three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Boykin has primarily played in the slot. While he only recorded one interception last season, he did register six of them the year before, which tied him for second in the league that season. Additionally, Boykin can contribute on special teams and that includes him being able to return both punts and kickoffs.
It’s yet to be seen if Boykin will be a starter on the outside this year with the Steelers. He’s been playing both outside and inside so far during training camp so we’ll have wait and see where the Steelers coaching staff sees him benefitting the defense the most.
“I played outside every day for four years in Philadelphia, but never in a game,” Boykin said.
