Philadelphia traded cornerback Brandon Boykin to Pittsburgh…
Philadelphia traded cornerback Brandon Boykin to Pittsburgh on August 1, 2015 for a conditional 2016 pick that ultimately became fifth-round No. 164. The Eagles used that selection on Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who developed into a multi-year offensive-line contributor and eventual Super Bowl starter. Boykin spent only one season in Pittsburgh, so Philadelphia converted a short-term defensive back into substantially greater lasting value.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 2016 5th round pick (164th overall, Halapoulivaati Vaitai )
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Brandon Boykin
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Philadelphia sent cornerback Brandon Boykin to Pittsburgh on August 1, 2015 for a conditional 2016 draft pick. The conditions ultimately produced a fifth-round selection, No. 164. The Eagles used that pick on offensive lineman Halapoulivaati Vaitai. The trade therefore became a one-season defensive-back acquisition for Pittsburgh against a mid-round pick that Philadelphia turned into a long-term contributor.
Philadelphia Eagles Return
Vaitai dramatically strengthened Philadelphia's side of the deal. Drafted in the fifth round, he developed into a versatile offensive lineman who could handle important snaps at tackle and became part of the Eagles' championship roster. His ability to start when needed, including on the sport's biggest stage, far exceeded the usual value of a fifth-round selection. Philadelphia received years of practical roster value from the pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Boykin gave Pittsburgh experienced cornerback depth and saw the field during the 2015 season. He was not useless, but the relationship lasted only one year, and he never became a core piece of the Steelers secondary. For a team that ultimately surrendered a fifth-round pick, the short tenure limited the return and left Pittsburgh exposed to whatever Philadelphia did with the selection.
Value in Hindsight
The gap is unusually clear for a modest veteran trade. Pittsburgh received temporary help, while Philadelphia turned the draft choice into a player who contributed across multiple seasons and played an important role for a Super Bowl champion. The cost was not premium capital, but Vaitai's outcome made that capital far more valuable than expected.
Final Verdict
Philadelphia earns an A- and Pittsburgh a D+. The Steelers received one season of Boykin, while the Eagles transformed the conditional pick into Halapoulivaati Vaitai and years of offensive-line value. That difference makes this a clear Philadelphia Eagles Win.