The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired cornerback Brandon Boykin late Saturday via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles and now we know what conditions must be met for the Eagles to receive a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft instead of a fifth.
According to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press, the Eagles will receive the Steelers fourth-round selection in 2016 should Boykin play 60% of the snaps on defense. Assuming Boykin begins the season as the Steelers nickel cornerback and he stays healthy, he might very well hit that 60% number.
#Eagles get a fourth round pick from #Steelers if Boykin plays 60% of snaps.
— Rob Maaddi Sports (@AP_RobMaaddi) August 2, 2015
The Steelers have apparently had their eyes on Boykin for quite some time as Eagles coach Chip Kelly said Sunday morning that Pittsburgh had called about acquiring the cornerback as far back as the draft. He says they traded Boykin because they like their depth at the position and also because he will be a free agent at the conclusion of the season.
In other words, Kelly would rather get a for sure fifth-round pick in 2016 that could turn into a fourth instead of waiting for a 2017 compensatory draft pick after Boykin left next offseason via free agency.
Boykin is now in Latrobe with the Steelers and expected to practice with the team later in the day. He will wear No. 25 initially.
