Home 2015 Off-Season Doubtful Brandon Boykin returns to Steelers

Doubtful Brandon Boykin returns to Steelers

by Carlos Azahar

brandonboykinWhen the Steelers traded for Brandon Boykin during the season, not many people could’ve predicted the ordeal that followed it. Fans clamored for Antwon Blake to get benched in favor of the more cover skilled Boykin.

Mike Tomlin, for whatever reason you think, decided to not do this. Instead, he turned a deaf ear and continued to play Blake. This not only angered us fans, but Mr. Boykin himself as well.

Reports and rumors started spilling out mentioning that Tomlin and Boykin had a bit of a spat towards one another. This is the accepted reason for his bench seat among Steelers fans.

However, Tomlin cited a lack of ability to usurp Blake as the main reason. Whatever really happened, it left Brandon with a bad taste in his mouth.

Now during this off season, Boykin was reported as saying that he’s open to a Pittsburgh extension. I don’t think I buy that all too well.

What most likely is happening is that Brandon is simply trying to portray his non-grudgeholding character. Trying to look good for the other teams who may be looking at him this free agency period.

One would think that a wide open cornerback competition would be attractive to lesser known ‘backs, yet its unknown what Boykins truly thinks.

In all honesty, do we even want him back? Reviewing the end of this past season, he definitely was an upgrade in the passing game over Blake. However, Blake was a much better tackler/run stopper.

Senquez Golson will be back and should have a crack at this competition. Not saying that Golson will carve out a better niche than Boykin just yet, but his presence is something to consider heading into free agency.

If the Steelers can manage to nab someone like Eli Apple in the draft, that would further cement Boykin’s downfall.

Yet again, this would be very difficult to predict. Since the good portion of free agency happens before the draft, Boykin’s status will have likely been proven by then.

It all comes down to how both parties react to free agency. Will Brandon ask for too much? Will the Steelers low ball him? Will there even be any serious negotiations?

Find out on the next episode of SteelCityBlitz!

 

Info courtesy of ESPN.com

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1 comment

bob graff February 16, 2016 - 10:11 pm

A few correction are needed in your article. First doesn’t Golson needs to have at least played a little bit in order to say he’s coming back[he’s never been here yet]. Blakes tackling kept Boykin off the field??????? I highly doubt Boykin wants to come back. The Steelers don’t value the CB position that’s i choice they have made. And if they do then there is a serious talent evaluation problem, which in itself may keep talent from wanting to come here.

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