If there is no cap this year and the Pats can work a deal that doesn't cost the Pats more than a second, who cares how much he costs if the Pats can afford him? As long as they can work it so there is no dead cap money next year if there is a cap, it isn't our money.
I think that those of us talking of the cost believe that even without a cap Bob Kraft is not suddenly going to turn into Daniel Snyder, that the budget without a cap will likely be very close to the same as it would with one, and that a big contract for Boldin would limit fixing the team's many other needs.
I just don't think with his age and his body looking like it is starting to break down it is a good move. If he were 26 and healthy I'd feel differently since I love his game.