Bleeding Green Nation - Eagles-Steelers Trade: Brandon Boykin sent to Pittsburgh in exchange for draft pickPhiladelphia Eagles rumors, news, analysis, roster updates, depth charts and more.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47571/bleedinggreennation_fave.png2015-08-02T17:37:07-04:00http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/rss/stream/88495482015-08-02T17:37:07-04:002015-08-02T17:37:07-04:00The real reason why Chip traded Brandon Boykin
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<p>It was a football move.</p> <p>Today, in America, we have become more and more aware of racism and how it manifests itself in all walks of life. From the police, to the news, to the entertainment business, prejudice rears its ugly head and the public, as well as those afflicted, are tasked with fighting it.</p>
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<p>In an <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> context, serious implications have been made in regards to how Chip Kelly views African American players. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/3/10/8183681/tra-thomas-racism-eagles-chip-kelly-comments-video">Tra Thomas started</a> the conversation, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/5/6/8559373/lesean-mccoy-chip-kelly-racist-good-black-players-eagles-roster-desean-jackson">LeSean McCoy added fuel</a> to the fire, and most recently newly traded cornerback <a target="_blank" href="http://Brandon%20Boykin%20criticizes%20Chip%20Kelly">Brandon Boykin said that Kelly was uncomfortable with "grown men of our culture.</a>" Obviously, the idea of anyone being prejudice is off-putting, and in the context of the diverse NFL community, it is disturbing, but it is important to investigate beyond these claims before anyone can jump to the conclusion that Chip Kelly is racist. Frankly, it does not take much digging to discover what is really at work. <br><br>Looking at the big moves Chip Kelly has made as Eagles head coach, such as cutting DeSean Jackson, trading LeSean McCoy, and most recently trading <span>Brandon Boykin</span>, one could assume Kelly might take issue with outspoken African American players. McCoy and Jackson are famously active off the field, while Boykin has been viewed as a big voice in the locker room. The truth is, these three players' cases are all very different from one another. Jackson was a huge headache on/off the field and in the locker room. No matter how dynamic of a player he is (or was here), he did not fit the "culture" that Kelly preaches.<br><br>Similarly, McCoy was taking issue with the coaching staff as they reduced his snaps this past season due to his drop off in play. That, combined with his lofty salary, made the staff view him to be expendable. Thus, he was traded for <span>Kiko Alonso</span> and replaced in free agency by <span>DeMarco Murray</span>, the reigning rushing champion, and <span>Ryan Mathews</span>, a former first round pick. McCoy was just too replaceable of a player to be worth the headache he was causing. As for Jackson, his 2013 production was bested by Jeremy Maclin. These moves were calculated and the players replaceable.<br><br>What about Brandon Boykin? He had been one of the best nickel corners in the league since he stepped onto the field here, he is a well regarded player in the locker room, and he has done nothing but good things for the Philadelphia community. The answer is as simple as it is frustrating: he's too short. The Eagles have the tallest team in the NFL. Chip Kelly stressed that "big people beat up little people" from day one and the team has added four defensive backs this season that all measure over 5-11. It does not matter how good Boykin is, he was not going to see the field on the outside and he may have seen less snaps altogether. It would be the same thing in Seattle or Green Bay. Defenses have strict prototypes and if you do not fit that profile, you do not play. Boykin would have walked after this season, and the team saw the potential of a fourth round pick being better than whatever would have come as a compensatory pick. They have been trying to trade Boykin for a while, but the price/situation was finally right for him to be moved. People want to over complicate things, but the deal came down to value and scheme.</p>
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<p>There is obviously more nuance to this conversation, though, and that comes from the accusations. The general lack of comfortability that Boykin and McCoy spoke to raises serious concerns, but it could likely just be a failure of player-coach communication. One common thread with players who are getting ousted is that they are all old Andy Reid players. Chip is trying to build a roster filled with his hand selected players rather than the ones that he got when he took over as head coach. He is creating a roster filled with players who he knows will buy into his philosophy. He is a former college coach, and naturally, a control freak. That is why he has drafting duties now and was essentially given reigns as the GM of the team. Power. He wants his guys and it should not surprise people that he is getting rid of a lot of the players he inherited, because it is likely they are not fully buying in. <br><br>Obviously, there are some Reid players who have fully bought in. <span>Jason Peters</span> and <span>DeMeco Ryans</span> are two of the most respected leaders in the locker room and, to different extents, are good players. Both received extensions under Kelly to ensure their leadership staying in Philadelphia. They are Kelly's guys, part of a circle for a man who really only knows football. <br><br>I do not want to completely belittle the claims of Brandon Boykin or <span>LeSean McCoy</span> because someone can be made to feel uncomfortable without that being anywhere close to the intention of the person causing the discomfort. Racism is a serious issue in this country and something we all need to be concerned with. Frankly, if I was not concerned, I would not be writing something like this. In the end, it just comes down to Kelly being a control freak who wants his guys, his scheme and can only relate on a level of football. It is important to find and uproot racism in all of its manifestations, but I think people are looking in the wrong place.</p>
https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/2/9087601/chip-kelly-brandon-boykin-trade-eagles-racist-race-quoteBen Natan2015-08-02T14:25:30-04:002015-08-02T14:25:30-04:00Brandon Boykin clarifies his comments about Chip
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<p>The former Eagles corner explained himself on his first day as a Steeler.</p> <p>After being traded to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> on Saturday night, cornerback <span>Brandon Boykin</span> texted with CSN Philly's Derrick Gunn and had some <a href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/2/9086381/brandon-boykin-chip-kelly-eagles-trade-quote-culture-steelers-cornerback-race" target="_blank">strong words to say about Chip Kelly</a>. Now that he's arrived at Steelers training camp. Boykin spoke with NFL.com's Judy Battista and clarified his comments.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Boykin arrives in Latrobe: Chip not a racist, he said, but he and other players wished they interacted with him more and he related to them.</p>
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) <a href="https://twitter.com/judybattista/status/627876772479025152">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">More Boykin from Latrobe: "I'm not saying he's a racist at all. When you are a player, you want to be able to relate to your coach outside..</p>
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) <a href="https://twitter.com/judybattista/status/627898532830277633">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Boykin...."of ftball. There were times, he just wouldn't talk to people. You would walk down the hallway, he wouldn't say anything to you."</p>
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) <a href="https://twitter.com/judybattista/status/627898876440256512">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p>Boykin's comments sound familiar to the ones made by several other departing stars, including <span>DeSean Jackson</span> and LeSean McCoy. What's interesting about them coming from Boykin, however, is that he wasn't considered an issue in the locker room, and appeared to be very well-respected teammate.</p>
<p>What's more, Boykin's comments seem to fall in line with what we know about Kelly as a person, especially as it relates to Kelly's interaction with those within the walls of the NovaCare Complex. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/footballs-most-intriguing-figure-chip-kelly-is-also-its-most-unknown/2015/07/24/e65e4b72-3086-11e5-8353-1215475949f4_story.html" target="_blank">In a recent Washington Post profile of Kelly</a>, former Oregon Ducks AD Mike Bellotti said, "I’m not sure I would consider that I know Chip."</p>
<p>As for Kelly himself, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>' head coach was taken aback by Boykin's comments, saying that he didn't feel there was any animosity after delivering the news to Boykin himself. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.phillymag.com/birds247/2015/08/02/kelly-surprised-by-boykins-comments/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">From Birds 24/7:</a></p>
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<p><span>"It did, it really [surprised me]. When he left here last night, he shook my hand and gave me a hug, he didn’t say anything."</span></p>
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<p><span>The Eagles received a </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/2/9086599/chip-kelly-brandon-boykin-trade-terms-eagles-conditional-pick-snaps-steelers" style="line-height: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">conditional fifth round pick </a><span>that turns into a fourth if Boykin plays 60 percent of the snaps for the Steelers in 2015. Though the Eagles said publicly that Boykin would be given a shot to play on the outside in training camp, history seemed to suggest that he wouldn't have been given that chance. Being traded to Pittsburgh will likely give Boykin a better shot of actually becoming an outside corner.</span></p>
https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/2/9086951/brandon-boykin-comments-chip-kelly-steelers-trade-conditional-pick-training-campPatrick Wall2015-08-02T11:56:37-04:002015-08-02T11:56:37-04:00Chip Kelly revealed terms of pick in Boykin trade
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<p>When the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085507/eagles-steelers-trade-brandon-boykin-pittsburgh-philadelphia-cornerback-draft-pick-fifth-fourth">Philadelphia Eagles traded Brandon Boykin to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday evening</a>, the team announced they received a conditional fifth round pick that could become a fourth round selection. So what needs to happen in order for the Eagles to get the better of the two conditions?</p>
<p>Head coach Chip Kelly revealed the terms prior to the team's practice on Sunday. In order for the Eagles to get the fourth round selection, Boykin must play at least 60% of Pittsburgh's defensive snaps.</p>
<p>Part of the reason the Eagles traded Boykin is because he wanted to have a bigger role than being merely a nickel cornerback. Boykin might have a better shot at more playing time in Pittsburgh considering the Steelers went out of their way to get him.</p>
<p>Kelly also said that Boykin wasn't the only Eagles cornerback whom other teams tried to trade for. The Eagles apparently received offers for Nolan Carroll, who is competing with Eric Rowe for a starting cornerback job opposite of Byron Maxwell.</p>
https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/2/9086599/chip-kelly-brandon-boykin-trade-terms-eagles-conditional-pick-snaps-steelersBrandon Lee Gowton2015-08-02T10:12:20-04:002015-08-02T10:12:20-04:00Brandon Boykin criticizes Chip Kelly
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<p>Yikes.</p> <p>With Chip Kelly having full control over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>' player personnel department, there's no doubt it was his decision to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085391/brandon-boykin-trade-eagles-steelers-draft-pick-fifth-round-conditional-georgia-nickel">trade Brandon Boykin to the Pittsburgh Steelers</a> on Saturday evening. Now that Boykin is gone, he had some thoughts to share on his former coach. According to <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TheRealDGunnCSN">Derrick Gunn of CSN Philly</a>, Boykin said the following message in a text:</p>
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<p><i>"The truth is Chip is uncomfortable around grown men of our culture. He can't relate, and that makes him uncomfortable, he likes to be in total control of everything. Players can excel when you naturally let them be who they are and in my experience that hasn't been important to him. I'm forever grateful to Mr. Lurie, Howie, my teammates, and fans of Philadelphia."</i></p>
<p>Those are strong words.</p>
<p>Boykin isn't the only former Eagles player to criticize Chip Kelly after leaving the team. Earlier this offseason,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/5/6/8559373/lesean-mccoy-chip-kelly-racist-good-black-players-eagles-roster-desean-jackson"> LeSean McCoy accused Kelly of getting rid of the "good black players"</a> on the team. Former Eagles assistant coach Tra Thomas once said there are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/3/10/8183681/tra-thomas-racism-eagles-chip-kelly-comments-video">players who feel like there's a "hint of racism" </a>in Philadelphia's locker room.</p>
<p>Kelly is set to speak with the media before training camp starts today. There's no doubt he'll be asked about Boykin's remarks.</p>
https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/2/9086381/brandon-boykin-chip-kelly-eagles-trade-quote-culture-steelers-cornerback-raceBrandon Lee Gowton2015-08-01T22:43:36-04:002015-08-01T22:43:36-04:00Who will replace Brandon Boykin?
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<p>Who will be the team's new nickel cornerback?</p> <p><span>Brandon Boykin</span> is no longer a member of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>. Whether you<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085517/eagles-steelers-trade-brandon-boykin-philadelphia-pittsburgh-draft-pick-approve-reaction"> liked the trade or not</a>, that's the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085391/brandon-boykin-trade-eagles-steelers-draft-pick-fifth-round-conditional-georgia-nickel">reality</a> right now.</p>
<p>With that in mind, it's time to look ahead. The Eagles are now faced with the challenge of replacing Boykin. Who will start at nickel now? How things play out in training camp and preseason will give us a better idea. In the meantime, here are some options:</p>
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<p>• <b><span>JaCorey Shepherd</span></b> - Arguably the favorite to win the job. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/6/19/8811999/eagles-otas-minicamp-practices-training-schedule-sam-bradford-mark-sanchez">Shepherd shadowed Boykin during formation drills in Philadelphia's spring practices</a>. The Kansas alumnus was one of the Eagles' most popular picks in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2015 NFL Draft</a>. After falling to the sixth round, some called Shepherd "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/5/2/8537031/2015-nfl-draft-jacorey-shepherd-steal-draft-cornerback-kansas">the steal of the draft</a>." Shepherd really impressed this spring. He has a real natural knack for making plays on the ball. He finished his college career with 30 passes defensed. Earlier this week, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/7/29/9066577/top-10-under-the-radar-eagles-2015-roster-sleepers">Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro</a> hinted Shepherd might push for playing time sooner than people expected. It seems he was right. The downside with Shepherd is he <a target="_blank" href="http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Quotes-CB-JaCorey-Shepherd/f66ebf79-5bae-4e02-b8c5-4e48cbe242b6">never really played nickel during college</a>.</p>
<p>• <b><span>Jaylen Watkins</span> </b>- The second year defensive back spent spring practices working out at both safety and cornerback. <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/EaglesInsider/status/503564127793872896">Watkins competed for the backup nickel spot</a> last offseason before<a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/EaglesInsider/status/527849273187397632"> lining up there in practice</a> during the regular season.</p>
<p>• <b><span>E.J. Biggers</span> </b>- The 28-year-old Biggers lined up as a slot cornerback on 57% of his defensive snaps with Washington last season. Biggers struggled in coverage so he's hardly a favorite here but the veteran is in the mix.</p>
<p>• <b>Nolan Carroll </b>- I don't think this one is likely. Carroll seems like the favorite to win the outside cornerback job. But maybe Carroll could rotate to play the nickel while <span>Eric Rowe</span> lines up on the outside.</p>
<p>• <b>Eric Rowe </b>- See above.</p>
<p>• <b><span>Byron Maxwell</span> </b>- The Eagles sure didn't sign Maxwell to a huge contract to have him exclusively play the slot, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him line up there when the matchup is appropriate. Last season the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> used Maxwell over <span>Jordan Matthews</span> in the slot to help shut the rookie down. If/when Maxwell rotates to the slot, Rowe or Carroll could take his spot on the outside.</p>
<p>• <b><span>Randall Evans</span> </b>- Unlike Shepherd, Evans has experience playing the slot. The sixth round rookie should be able to compete for the job.</p>
<p>• <b>Walter Thurmond </b>- Don't see it. Thurmond definitely has experience in the slot, but the team seems pretty set on making him their starting safety next to <span>Malcolm Jenkins</span>.</p>
https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085647/brandon-boykin-trade-eagles-steelers-cornerback-nickel-jacorey-shepherd-jaylen-watkinsBrandon Lee Gowton2015-08-01T21:31:27-04:002015-08-01T21:31:27-04:00Do you approve of the Brandon Boykin trade?
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<p>Do you approve of the trade?</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> made a controversial move on Saturday evening by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085391/brandon-boykin-trade-eagles-steelers-draft-pick-fifth-round-conditional-georgia-nickel">shipping away Brandon Boykin in exchange for a conditional fifth round pick</a>. The reaction to the deal <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085431/brandon-boykin-trade-reactions-eagles-value-deal-steelers-cornerback">drew mixed reviews</a>.</p>
<p>Now there's been some time to rationally react, here are some pros and cons to the trade.</p>
<p><b>PROS</b></p>
<p>• It wasn't a secret that <span>Brandon Boykin</span> wasn't in the long-term plans. That the team decided to get a draft pick for him instead of letting him walk for nothing in free agency could be considered a positive.</p>
<p>• A conditional fifth round pick (that has the potential to turn into a fourth) is arguably decent value for a player in the last year of their rookie contract.</p>
<p>• This move clears up playing time for young cornerbacks such as <span>JaCorey Shepherd</span>, <span>Randall Evans</span>, and potentially <span>Eric Rowe</span> if someone else plays on the inside and he starts on the outside.</p>
<p><b>CONS</b></p>
<p>• There are more cons than are pros.</p>
<p>• The Eagles didn't <i>need</i> to trade Boykin. With the team seemingly planning to contend this year, he would have at least been valuable in his nickel role. Or the Eagles should have really just given him a real shot to start on the outside, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2014/9/24/6836463/brandon-boykin-play-outside-slot-nickel-bill-davis-cornerback">as we've written before</a>. He was one of Philadelphia's best corner covers, if not their best.</p>
<p>• Boykin was a really good gunner on punt coverage. Losing him hurts the special teams unit.</p>
<p>• Getting a conditional fifth round pick isn't terrible, but it's far from a slam dunk.</p>
<p>• Sentimental value: Boykin was a fun player to watch and an easy guy to cheer for.</p>
<p>• Losing Boykin hurt's the team's cornerback depth. He was a proven commodity at a spot where the Eagles have struggled in past seasons.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph13">...</p>
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<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph16">Now it's your turn. Did the Eagles make the right call? Vote below.</p>
https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085517/eagles-steelers-trade-brandon-boykin-philadelphia-pittsburgh-draft-pick-approve-reactionBrandon Lee Gowton2015-08-01T20:58:49-04:002015-08-01T20:58:49-04:00"Eagles got pretty good value for Boykin"
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<p>Mixed opinions.</p> <p>The Eagles have been no strangers to controversy this offseason. Their latest big move involved <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085391/brandon-boykin-trade-eagles-steelers-draft-pick-fifth-round-conditional-georgia-nickel">shipping Brandon Boykin to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional fifth draft pick </a>that can turn into a fourth. While it wasn't a total shock to see Boykin traded, most did not expect him to be dealt so suddenly on the eve of training camp like this.</p>
<p>Reaction to the deal seems to be mixed. Some think the Eagles got good value while others are pretty upset. Twitter reactions below:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That's pretty good value considering Boykin is on the last year of his rookie deal.</p>
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) <a href="https://twitter.com/caplannfl/status/627631735493259264">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">what</p>
— The Good Phight (@TheGoodPhight) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheGoodPhight/status/627630143586996228">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rinse and repeat, but that's a humiliatingly bad value for Boykin who's a legitimate NFL starting CB who I bet plays for a decade.</p>
— Noah Becker (@Noah_Becker) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noah_Becker/status/627630151308722176">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Should clarify: Humiliatingly bad value vis my perception of his ability, not my expectation of potential trade return.</p>
— Noah Becker (@Noah_Becker) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noah_Becker/status/627630696115212289">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Should have just kept him for that price</p>
— Jordo (@PhillyJordo) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhillyJordo/status/627630393689161728">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'd rather keep Boykin and let him leave next year. This team has serious playoff potential. Screw a 5th round pick.</p>
— Greg Richards (@igglesnut) <a href="https://twitter.com/igglesnut/status/627630608311840768">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wow. On eve of camp, Eagles trade Brandon Boykin to Steelers for a conditional fifth-round pick. Guess they really like the young corners...</p>
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) <a href="https://twitter.com/LesBowen/status/627630716340305920">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eagles?src=hash">#Eagles</a> have fielded offers for Brandon Boykin for months <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash">#Steelers</a> stepped up with real value. Pitt gets a sure starter.</p>
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/627630837249347585">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Boykin wasn't going to be back next season, but this shows <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eagles?src=hash">#Eagles</a> are confident in Rowe, Shepherd to play right now.</p>
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliotShorrParks/status/627631067902513152">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sad to see Brandon Boykin go, but it's definitely the best for both parties.</p>
— Patrick Wall (@ByPatrickWall) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByPatrickWall/status/627630943327637504">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He wasn't gonna start (which is dumb), so we might as well get value.</p>
— Ben Natan (@BenNatanFS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenNatanFS/status/627630979159564289">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Antonio Brown once called Boykin "the candy bar," as in the guy they were going to pick on (which didn't make sense). They're teammates now.</p>
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyKempski/status/627632054654627840">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Surprised Boykin lasted this long in Chip's system. He just doesn't like short CBs. Never mind he was still their best cover guy.</p>
— Nick Fierro (@NickFierro) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickFierro/status/627632393298558976">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Forever my brudda brudda <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonBoykin2">@BrandonBoykin2</a>!!! Continue balling and keep God first! Much love fam‼️</p>
— Bennie .C. Logan (@da_king_son18) <a href="https://twitter.com/da_king_son18/status/627632502971199488">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don't know the conditions on the pick yet, but a 5 really isn't a terrible deal. Boykin clearly wasn't going to be an Eagle in 2016.</p>
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyKempski/status/627635079368572929">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Boykin worked hard, kept in amazing shape, made plays. Seems like a guy Chip would value. But... he's short.</p>
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyKempski/status/627635526745456640">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wrote lengthy feature on Boykin last year: <a href="http://t.co/5erz6iJFJn">http://t.co/5erz6iJFJn</a> High character, great athlete, dependable tackler. Deserves expanded role.</p>
— Sheil Kapadia (@SheilKapadia) <a href="https://twitter.com/SheilKapadia/status/627636293334396928">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Some of you are asking about Eric Rowe starting outside and Nolan Carroll playing the slot. That is possible. Gotta see how the rookie plays</p>
— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) <a href="https://twitter.com/lawlornfl/status/627641595018543104">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Some things Philly does from a personnel sense actually make football/team building sense. I know that isn't the popular narrative but....</p>
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LRiddickESPN/status/627642556340432896">August 2, 2015</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.....let it play out.</p>
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LRiddickESPN/status/627642629740732416">August 2, 2015</a>
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https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085431/brandon-boykin-trade-reactions-eagles-value-deal-steelers-cornerbackBrandon Lee Gowton2015-08-01T20:25:21-04:002015-08-01T20:25:21-04:00Brandon Boykin had a classy goodbye message for Eagles fans<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/BrandonBoykin2/status/627632591852695552">Brandon Boykin had a classy goodbye message for Eagles&nbsp;fans</a></h3>
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https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/8/1/9085429/brandon-boykin-had-a-classy-goodbye-message-for-eagles-fansBrandon Lee Gowton