Anquan Boldin, would you do this deal?

he isn't leaving SF....

Unless SF franchise's him, he will test free agency. I don't see why some people think he's married to SF and will only return there. He will go to the highest bidding contender.

I'll pass. We need to focus on the development of our young WR corps.

The guy is exactly what this offense needs. He's obviously as tough as they come and most of all, he's 'Durable'. If there's one thing this offense needs it's a tough, durable WR that will stay on the field, fight for every football and catch everything thrown his way.

KontradictioN said:

This thread is the first I've heard of it, and I have frequented this board for more time than a lot of other people. Just Googled both "Anquan Boldin hates Patriots", and "Anquan Boldin dislikes Patriots", and didn't see anything definitive.

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I expect this is some inference from his initial statement that he "would retire a Raven" in the articles discussing if the Pats could sign him if released. He obviously didn't retire, but his agent may present a different impediment to a deal.

At this age a player can decline really fast , so I would tie money on him for 2 years with some clause giving the team an option for the 3rd year, if there is such thing.

Bravo777 said:

I'll pass. We need to focus on the development of our young WR corps.

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I think the Pats can easily continue to develop the rookie WRs and still have the ability to bring in a veteran WR of Boldins ability. Is the final years of Bradys career really the best time to develop young WR's and not provide him a more polished WR? A topic that has certainly been discussed ad nauseam amongst Pats fans. Not to mention, I think the young WRs would gain a lot of experience with a veteran like Boldin on the roster.

varjao said:

At this age a player can decline really fast , so I would tie money on him for 2 years with some clause giving the team an option for the 3rd year, if there is such thing.

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Thing is, Boldin has never been the most athletic guy on the field. He didn't use his speed to get open. He uses his smarts and excellent route running to get open. Those aren't things that will quickly decline in the coming years. The first thing that he'll lose is his jump ball ability.

Brady6 said:

Boldin will turn 34 years old within the first 4 weeks of next season; I honestly would like this team to build an offense that is sustainable in terms of personnel for the remainder of Brady’s career.

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At his age if you can still put up close to 1200yds you are alright in my book. Boldin has been a Good/Great WR thoughout his career, you cannot discount the TD's.

KontradictioN said:

Thing is, Boldin has never been the most athletic guy on the field. He didn't use his speed to get open. He uses his smarts and excellent route running to get open. Those aren't things that will quickly decline in the coming years. The first thing that he'll lose is his jump ball ability.

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Reggie Wayne of the Colts can be mentioned in the same breath when it comes on to route running and football smarts. Guys who are on the wrong side of 30 and are still kicking @ss in this league.

To be honest, I've always thought the Pats could use a David Givens-type receiver. A physical, run blocking, red zone threat, possession receiver.

Anquan Boldin would give you these characteristics and more, so sign me up as wanting this to happen.

The knock on Boldin is generally that he only shows up inconsistently in the regular season, before kicking ass in the playoffs. I'd be perfectly fine with that if he was a Patriot. We can make the playoffs with Julian Edelman as our top receiver - we just need someone to put us over the top once we're there, and Boldin is definitely capable of doing that.

Once the playoffs come around, an offense that features Boldin and Dobson on the outside with Gronk at TE could be damn near unstoppable. So much size, would be absolutely lethal in the red zone. Whichever of Boldin/Gronk isn't bracketed in the red zone is about the closest you'll get to a guaranteed receiving TD.