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Steelers Waive Former National Champion UDFA DB
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- Steelers Waive Former National Champion UDFA DB
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Devan Boykin at rookie minicamp on May 9, 2026. -- Ed Thompson/ Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have waived cornerback Devan Boykin as the team continues trimming its roster ahead of the 2026 regular season.
Boykin, an undrafted rookie out of Indiana, entered training camp with an uphill battle to make the roster. However, the young defensive back continued to show flashes throughout the preseason and made a particularly strong impression in Pittsburgh's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills.
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Boykin finished the game with nine tackles, including five solo stops, leading all players in the game.
Despite that strong performance, Boykin ultimately couldn't overcome the numbers game in Pittsburgh's secondary. The Steelers have invested heavily in the position and had several young defensive backs competing for limited roster spots.
However, his strong finish could work in his favor on the waiver wire. If he clears waivers, Pittsburgh could also look to bring him back on the practice squad.
For now, though, Boykin's bid for a spot on the Steelers' initial 53-man roster has come to an end.
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Devan Boykin (12) against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. — Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images
Boykin, 24, is a 5-foot-10, 192-pound safety from Ragsdale, North Carolina. He started his college career at NC State before transferring to Indiana for the 2025 season, where he helped the Hoosiers win a College Football Playoff national championship.
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Boykin started 10 games for Indiana in 2025 and appeared in 16, working mostly as a slot defender in a role IU calls Rover. He recorded 59 tackles — sixth on the team — and had six tackles for loss, one sack, five passes defended, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
He forced a fumble, recovered it and returned it for a touchdown in Week 10 against Maryland.
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