Chip Kelly: Brandon Boykin was "stunned" by trade to Pittsburgh Steelers

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly has admitted that cornerback Brandon Boykin was "stunned" by the news that he had been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 25-year-old had been a starter for the NFC East side for the past three seasons, but was linked with an exit from the club earlier in the off-season.

Kelly has revealed that the Steelers were determined to land the cornerback, even though Boykin was not initially happy at first about the deal.

"In talking to him last night, I think he was stunned. He was disappointed," Kelly told reporters.

"I think he really liked it here. He was very close with his teammates. I told him myself that I thought the timing itself wasn't a real good time. But they actively pursued him."

Boykin has recorded 120 tackles, one sack and seven interceptions in his three years in the NFL.