The Oakland Raiders have been looking to bolster this secondary during the offseason and succeeded in landing a big time free agent cornerback in Sean Smith formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The need for depth at the position is paramount and the Raiders could look to target free agent cornerback Brandon Boykin. Boykin was a solid depth addition for the Steelers and helped them during their playoff push.
He recorded 1 start all season however he would come in on situational packages and become a consistent pass disrupter. He also amassed 25 combined tackles, 1 sack, 5 pass defenses, an interception, and a forced fumble.
This was pretty good for a player who didn't spend a full offseason with the Steelers defense. Boykin spent three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagle and was one of their primary cover guys.
Throughout his career Boykin has a total of 145 combined tackles, 2 sacks, 37 pass defenses, 8 interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and 5 forced fumbles. Boykin is still looking for a new team as the Steelers are managing their cap room for the eventual re-signing of star running back Le'Veon Bell.
The Raiders have relied on former Washington Redskins cornerback David Amerson and he has been relatively steady for this defense recording 12 starts, 58 combined tackles, 4 interceptions, and a defensive touchdown.
Amerson played for the Redskins from 2013 to 2015 and in that time he only recorded two interceptions. Amerson's solid season is a good start however consistency has never been his strong suit.
His partner at the left cornerback position D.J. Hayden has been pretty mediocre for much of his career with the Raiders as he has only recorded 3 interceptions during his three year stretch with the club.
Hayden has not been the shutdown cornerback Oakland thought he would be however they can solidify this secondary by adding some depth and that is exactly what Boykin provides.
Boykin will probably come at a discount considering how late it is getting in free agency and the looming 2016 NFL Draft. He will likely have a bigger market following the NFL's biggest offseason event however the Raiders could make a shrewd move by picking up the young cornerback as they continue to add depth to this roster.
