What does Brandon Boykin tryout say about Cowboys defensive backfield?
After the Dallas Cowboys worked out free agent defensive back Brandon Boykin this week, what does that say about the current state of the team’s roster?
The Dallas Cowboys recently met with and worked out free agent cornerback Brandon Boykin, however no deal was made. The 25-year old defensive back last played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015. He recorded 25 total tackles, five defended passes, 1.0 sacks and one interception in 16 games last season.
Boykin signed with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, but was released shortly after. He was a fourth round pick by the Eagles in 2012, where he played until he was traded to Pittsburgh last summer.
The fact that he was released by the Panthers without even going through an offseason program and failed to latch on with the Cowboys shows there may be some truth to his rumored hip injury, one he has continued to deny.
Brandon Boykin said his work out with the Cowboys went fine. He hopes to sign with the team. He said he has no injury issues.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) June 8, 2016
Boykin blames Steelers defensive back coach Carnell Lake for the rumor that he has a hip issue. He said he is healthy and fine.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) June 8, 2016
The fact that the team is looking down other paths can’t inspire too much confidence in the current defensive back rotation. Orlando Scandrick is locked into the starting spot on the left side, but Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne must be looking over their shoulders as the team works out other cornerbacks.
More from The Landry Hat
- 3 ways Cowboys’ Dak Prescott can have a bounce-back season in 2023
- Cowboys News: Dallas sets pre-draft visit with potential Dalton Schultz upgrade
- NFL executives heaping praise on offseason is uncharted territory for Cowboys
- 3 free agent signings from NFC East rivals that left Cowboys fans laughing
- Cowboys News: Brandin Cooks sends flattering message to CeeDee Lamb, Stephon Gilmore
Does the fact the Cowboys are kicking the tires on Boykin mean Dallas is not very happy with their current crop of defenders in the backfield? Essentially this same group, minus last year’s first round pick Byron Jones, ranked 26th in passing defense in 2014. That was actually a four slot improvement from the previous season.
The point being, this current group has proven to be mediocre in the past. Adding a player like Boykin to the mix would likely only improve them.
Boykin has played well in his four seasons in the league, with eight career interceptions and five forced fumbles, including a very impressive 2013 season where he picked off six passes and had 17 passes defended. While he hasn’t been as impressive since then, he is yet to miss a game in his career and could be valuable depth.
A player this talented isn’t usually around this late in the offseason, which could mean there really is something wrong with his hip. Whether or not the Cowboys decide he’s worth the gamble will be interesting to see.
Next: Cowboys coach shares what made Michael Irvin great
Thank you for reading the above article. It’s our sincere hope you’ll visit our site often as we work really hard to provide Cowboys fans with fresh, daily content about their favorite team. Please feel free to take part in further discussions about this topic below in our comment section. All we ask is that each participant is respectful in both their responses and towards others. Thanks again and…Go Cowboys!