Trevone

Boykin

The Seahawks like Trevone Boykin as Russell Wilson’s backup, but want to see how he does at training camp. Seattle hasn’t been connected to any quarterbacks since Tarvaris Jackson’s arrest. Outside of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jimmy Clausen, Charlie Whitehurst, T.J. Yates, and Michael Vick are the top free agents.

It was a step back after Boykin had been progressing well throughout training camp. “He had some problems tonight,” coach Pete Carroll said. “He’s not as sharp as he has been.” Seattle had looked poised to keep Boykin as Russell Wilson’s backup. Thursday’s performance may have tested their resolve, but he will likely open the season as the No. 2.

As part of a plea deal, Boykin pled no contest to a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest. He’s been fined $1,500, and sentenced to one year probation. The Seahawks have insisted Boykin is a legitimate candidate to back up Russell Wilson. Right now, his only “competition” is 2015 UDFA Jake Heaps. It’s possible, if not likely, a veteran is either signed or acquired.

An intoxicated Boykin allegedly assaulted a police officer. The Seahawks obviously knew of the incident when they signed Boykin in May. Both coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have compared Boykin to Russell Wilson, and insist he has a chance to earn No. 2 duties in camp.

He added three rushes for 21 yards. Boykin padded his stats against deep reserves late in the game, but struggled to move the offense against second-teamers. It was an uneven debut after Seattle talked him up all offseason. Boykin is the clear backup to Russell Wilson, but the Seahawks haven’t ruled out adding a veteran quarterback.

“I don’t want to go too far with it too fast,” Carroll said. “But he’s done a great job. He really is a good football player.” The Seahawks have big question marks behind Russell Wilson, but Boykin could erase those by earning the backup job. It looks like he is on his way.

“Early indications are that we’ll give him an opportunity to be back with us,” said Carroll. “We’ll see what happens though.” Boykin was already on probation for a previous arrest when he was booked in Dallas early Monday morning. He could be facing punishment for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Boykin was the passenger in a car that crashed into a Dallas bar around 2 AM early Monday and injured five people. The female driver was allegedly drunk. Boykin is no stranger to trouble at bars, as he was arrested for hitting an officer in a bar fight while at TCU in 2015. He was Russell Wilson’s backup last season as an UDFA after beating out Tarvaris Jackson for the job.

Popped for public intoxication and drug possession last Monday, Boykin was picked up on Thursday for violating his 2016 probation agreement. In other words, the second arrest is related to last week’s episode, not a new incident. Boykin was arrested in Dec. 2015 for drunkenly assaulting a police officer during TCU’s bowl week. Boykin’s status as Russell Wilson’s No. 2 is on life support.

“His versatility and his style of play is so similar to Russell’s,” Carroll said. “He’s got a big arm. He’s a very creative athlete. He’s got great instincts and great vision. His ability to run and make people miss and get out of trouble is very similar to what Russell does.” A standout at TCU, Boykin had other offers as an undrafted free agent, but he called the decision to sign with the Seahawks a “no-brainer.” If Boykin can develop into a quality backup, he would allow Seattle to maintain a similar playing style even if Wilson goes down.