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.