It was nothing less than odd when Carolina released Brandon Boykin, a somewhat acclaimed slot corner, just one month after signing him in free agency. He was about the only move of note that Panthers GM Dave Gettleman made in free agency, and when Josh Norman escaped under equally odd circumstances, Boykin's value one would think would only increase. Carolina lacks a veteran presence and proven players in the secondary. To say the least, the move was puzzling given Boykin hadn't even seen a practice field in Carolina.

Immediately, the Atlanta Falcons showed interest in Boykin. He is athletic was ranked 38th out of 111 corners by Pro Football Focus last season.  The Falcons, however, let Boykin walk despite the needed help. I asked Falcons writer, Aaron Freeman, about Atlanta's need for a slot corner, and he had an interesting response:

Now that two teams with a real need at corner have passed on Brandon Boykin,  it's got us thinking where there is smoke, there must be fire.