Free-agent cornerback Brandon Boykin signed with the Carolina Panthers on Monday.
According to ESPN, the deal is for one year; other terms of the deal were not disclosed. Boykin’s signing won’t affect cornerback Josh Norman’s contract status. Norman has yet to sign his franchise tender and is looking for a long-term contract. The Panthers weren’t the only team interested in Boykin, as there were reportedly offers from at least four other teams.
"Through this entire process I was weighing what was most important to me," Boykin said. "Money is important, but for me it wasn't the absolute end all, be all. There were other offers on the table. At the end of the day, when you talk about Carolina, the team that they have going and the defense that they have and the opportunity I have to come in here and play, the nickel position and corner, it was really just a no-brainer."
Boykin spent his first three years in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. While with the Steelers last season, he had 25 tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble, according to the Associated Press. In the last four games he had one interception, two defended passes, one forced fumble and one sack. He will fill the Panthers need at nickelback.
The signing ends Charles Tillman’s tenure with the team. Tillman’s 2015 season ended early when he tore the ACL in his knee.