/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48824325/usa-today-9084717.0.jpg)
Take a second and imagine the following scenario:
You are a NFL cornerback who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and your current employer is anything but stellar, in your opinion. You communicate with your agent that if a trade possibility opens up, you would would certainly listen. The Pittsburgh Steelers call and suddenly you are on your way to Latrobe, PA to play for the Steelers.
On the way there you think about the dynasties, the mystique about the organization and your hopes of being the difference maker to put the team over the top. You show up and work your tail off, but no matter what you do, it never seems to be enough. When the regular season starts, you watch as the other cornerbacks, who aren't nearly as good as you, get torched over and over again. It wasn't until Week 13 on Sunday Night Football where you get a shot to play, and you are able to snag an interception in the first half.
The season ends with you being the second most used defensive back on the team, behind only veteran William Gay. Now, free agency begins.
Most would have some pretty rough feelings for the Steelers organization, but Brandon Boykin seems to be taking the high road -- again. The player who never bashed the coaching staff, or teammates, throughout the trying 2015 season continued to do the same when speaking with Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
In fact, when asked if he would ever consider returning to the Steelers in 2016 and beyond, Boykin's response certainly would surprise most.
"At the end, the organization said they appreciated how I went about it, being a pro, not really talking about it," Boykin said. "I don't have any hard feelings toward Pittsburgh. Absolutely, under the right circumstances, for sure [I'd return]."
If he had said, "You know what, the organization jerked me around all season...I wish them nothing but luck, but I won't be returning.", no one would blame the guy, but he is leaving his options open as he heads into Free Agency.
The Steelers would be wise to see what it would cost to keep Boykin on their roster, as a combination of him, Senquez Golson, Ross Cockrell and Doran Grant, and possibly another free agent like William Gay, could be a step in the right direction for the sagging secondary of the Steelers.
Nonetheless, Boykin is taking it easy this offseason, and waiting to see which team comes calling. "Just being open to whatever's happening, just relaxing and living life with the fam," Boykin said. "I'm confident that I've got some good tape out there, whoever wants to come."
Hopefully the Steeelers are one of the teams who picks up the phone to call Boykin.