Aug 1, 2015 2 min read

In an effort to solidify their secondary, the Steelers acquired Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick in 2016 NFL Draft. The team announced the move following practice Saturday afternoon.

Boykin, a 5-10 defensive back known for his physical play, is entering his fourth season and has appeared in 49 regular-season games, working primarily as the Eagles’ nickle corner for three years and he finished second in the NFL in 2013 with six interceptions, including his fourth-quarter pick against Dallas to clinch the NFC East title for Philadelphia. He recorded 42 total tackles with a forced fumble and one interception last season.

A University of Georgia product, Boykin started three years for the Bulldogs at cornerback and won the 2011 Paul Hornung Award as a senior, which is awarded to the most versatile player in major college football. He is the only player in the history of the Southeastern Conference with three career 100-yard plays and he is Georgia’s leader in career kickoff return yards with 2,663, which ranks second in SEC history.

The 25-year-old started six games for the Eagles, recording seven interceptions and 32 pass breakups. Viewed as a superior athlete entering the 2012 NFL Draft, Boykin was not chosen until the fourth round because of concerns with his height. He helped alleviate those concerns with a track record of being stout against the run, recording 159 career tackles at Georgia with nine interceptions and a sack.