Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 9y

Steelers players have measured, almost indifferent tone to Brandon Boykin trade

LATROBE, Pa. -- Perhaps these quotes were a byproduct of a steady-hand Pittsburgh Steelers culture that doesn't want to create headlines, but some players seemed uninspired -- or at least lacking a strong opinion -- on the Brandon Boykin trade to the Steelers.

Steelers corner Antwon Blake said Boykin is a "very good player" but has no idea how the trade affects him. As for whether the trade created a reaction among players, Blake considered the move NFL business as usual.

"That's the life of the NFL -- one day you're here, next day you're gone," Blake said. "It doesn't mean much to me, I'm going to continue to work hard every day."

OK.

Defensive end Cam Heyward would like to see the defense get more turnovers after raking 25th in interceptions with 11 last season. So, perhaps the addition of Boykin, who had a six-interception season in 2013, will help matters, Heyward said.

Safety Will Allen added: "If he's here to help us win games, I'm all for it."

Without reading too many tea leaves, the Steelers seem conditioned to avoid overreactions by nature, trusting that whoever is in the lineup will be ready. This is a close group, so the players might need time to feel out this move, see how it plays in the locker room. There shouldn't be any problems. Boykin is considered a good locker room guy and a good player. If he wants a coach to relate to, Mike Tomlin is it. Players can talk to Tomlin "about anything," corner B.W. Webb said.

If the Steelers' secondary should feel heat after this trade, Blake says that heat was already there.

"Every day is a challenge," Blake said. "Every man we have on the roster, especially in the secondary, challenges themselves."

^ Back to Top ^