The Carolina Panthers have bolstered their secondary in free agency as they have added former Pittsburg Steeler and Philadelphia Eagle Brandon Boykin to their roster. Boykin is a former fourth round pick who spent the beginning of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Boykin would then sign with the Steelers during the 2015 regular season. During the 2015 regular season Boykin recorded 1 start, 25 combined tackles, 1 sack, 5 pass defenses, an interception, and a fumble. Throughout Boykin's career he has recorded 145 combined tackles, 2 sacks, 37 pass defenses, 8 interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and 5 forced fumbles.
Boykin will fill in as a depth player as he has only signed a one year contract as the Panthers only have $18 million in cap space and is likely a replacement for free agent cornerbacks Charles Tillman or Cortland Finnegan. Boykin will now look to find a place amongst players such as franchise tagged star cornerback Josh Norman, Teddy Williams, Bene Benwikere, or Robert McClain.
As a 4 year vet in the NFL Boykin should become a focal point of this defensive backfield as he has shown the talents and abilities to become a productive cornerback. The Panthers have only lost one free agent after coming extremely close to winning the Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos. Carolina lost punter Brad Nortman however they stole two Atlanta Falcons in Paul Solial and Gino Gradowski.
Soliai is a defensive tackle who at 32 years old should just be considered a depth addition at this point. Gradkowski is only 27 and could become a stable center for this offensive line. The Panthers truly needed an offensive tackle however bolstering this line in anyway is a bonus. Ma
inly they could use an offensive tackle and selecting at the 30TH overall selection does not make matters any better. The Panthers could desperately look to build up their edge rushing schemes with a rookie pass rusher in the first round. They also have needs at running back and defensive back so they could look to select running back prospect Ezekiel Elliott or Derrick Henry. Adding Boykin will not only strengthen this secondary but he should provide them a little added explosiveness as well.
