For the second time in three years, the Philadelphia Eagles are replacing both of their starting cornerbacks. Yet as daunting a task as that seemed, at least they had the nickel position figured out—well, right up until Brandon Boykin was traded, anyway.
It wasn’t exactly a complete surprise Boykin was dealt—he was entering the final year of his contract and presumably unhappy with a part-time role. However, the willingness to push rookie JaCorey Shepherd as the potential alternative may catch some observers off guard.
After all, Boykin has been one of, if not, the best NFL slot cover men over the past three seasons.