The Philadelphia Eagles have traded cornerback Brandon Boykin to the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to an official announcement from the team.
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In return for Boykin, the Eagles received a conditional fifth round pick in 2016. According to ESPN Insider Adam Caplan, the draft pick can be as high as a fourth round selection depending on Boykin's playing time.
Boykin, was originally drafted by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The 25-year-old Boykin is in the last year of his rookie deal.
The fact that the Eagles traded Boykin isn't a total surprise. There were rumors earlier this offseason that the Eagles made him available. Philadelphia has almost exclusively used him as a nickel cornerback despite his wish for a chance to start on the outside. With the Eagles preferring taller, longer corners on the outside, the 5-9 Boykin wasn't seen as an ideal scheme fit for the team.
With Boykin gone, rookie cornerback JaCorey Shepherd might be the favorite to start in his place. The sixth round pick spent the spring shadowing Boykin during drills and looked impressive during practice. Other players in the mix for the nickel job could include Jaylen Watkins, rookie Randall Evans, and veteran E.J. Biggers.
More details coming - check back often for updates.