The Giants may have found their next punt gunner in the same place they found their last punt returner: the Steel City.
Free agent kick coverage specialist Myles Boykin has signed with the Giants, the team announced Tuesday.
Boykin, a 6-foot-4 receiver, was more aggressive offensively in his first two seasons (32 catches for 464 yards, seven touchdowns), but has only gained 34 yards in the past three seasons. He only had 6 catches.
Originally a third-round draft pick of the Ravens out of Notre Dame, Boykin made a career-high 316 special teams appearances last season, his second with the Steelers.
Boykin was teammates with Gunner Olszewski. Olszewski was waived by the Steelers last season, but bounced back after joining the Giants in October.
Olszewski re-signed with the Giants earlier this offseason after averaging 11.9 yards on 23 punt returns, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Boykin, 27, profiles as an older version of Bryce Ford Wheaton.
The 6-foot-3 Ford Wheaton almost made the Giants roster as an undrafted rookie last season due to his ability as a gunner, but suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the final preseason game. suffered from.
Boykin’s special teams experience will also help with new NFL kickoff coverage rules that increase return numbers, bring more speedy playmakers onto special teams, and emphasize player safety by limiting full-speed collisions. there is a possibility.
