Carolina Panthers sign CB Brandon Boykin

The Carolina Panthers signed former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandon Boykin to a one-year contract Monday.

In 2015, Boykin played in 16 regular-season games with one start for the Steelers, tallying 21 tackles, one sack, one interception, five passes defensed and one forced fumble. He also saw action in two postseason games with one start.

"I've watched Carolina and you can't help but see how successful they've been in the defensive backfield with their style of play," Boykin said Monday. "I knew it would be a really good fit for me."

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Boykin, a four-year unrestricted free agent, was signed to fill a need at nickel with Bene Benwikere moving to play the outside corner spot opposite Josh Norman.

"Brandon brings a lot of versatility," general manager Dave Gettleman said. "He's athletic, smart, instinctive, tough, and has quality ball skills. Brandon is a very good piece for our defense and brings solid special teams value as well. We're excited to add Brandon to our roster."

Boykin, a fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Georgia, spent the first three years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded a career-high six interceptions in 2013.

The Eagles traded Boykin to the Steelers prior to the start of the 2015 season.

Boykin, 25, has played in 64 career regular-season games with seven starts and has career totals of 116 tackles, two sacks, eight interceptions, 37 passes defensed and five forced fumbles. He also has returned 54 kickoffs for 1,242 yards (23-yard average).

"Getting traded to Pittsburgh, I didn't know what was going on and I had to battle through adversity," Boykin said. "But it ultimately led me here. I'm confident in my ability and this organization is confident in me."