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Add Anquan Boldin's Name to The List Of Available Receivers
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Guess who’s back on the block? That’s right, Anquan Boldin.
In an interview with Michael Irvin on ESPN the other day, here is what he said:
“he’s open to getting traded to any team, especially to the NFC East, where the Eagles and Giants need a elite receiver.
And as to actually getting traded:
Boldin said: “I just want to get it resolved. It’s been going on way too long.” Later, he said: “It would hurt, but at the same time, change is necessary. My only problem has been management, always has been.”
It’s the last line which needs to be focused on in that quote. His problem has always been with management, which, in plainer terms is this: if Bill Bidwill wasn’t the cheapest man on the planet, I’d probably want to continue my career in Arizona.
But since he is, adios.
And while it’s true that Boldin is vastly underpaid based on his level of production—and fellow star receiver WR Larry Fitzgerald cashing in to the tune of $10 million per year didn’t help either—there wasn’t a gun to his head when he signed his four year $22M extension back in 2005.
But now he’s putting the proverbial gun to the Cardinals head and forcing their hand.
We all saw how productive Chad Ocho Cinco was in 2008 after the tumultuous off-season in which he constantly demanded that Cincinnati trade him.
Arizona doesn’t want to deal with that or lose any leverage they have at the moment.
The market for Ocho Cinco was hot prior to last year’s draft. The Redskins reportedly offered two first round picks for him. Now they might get a 2 nd.
So let’s look at the two places he mentioned – New York and Philadelphia - and see which one makes the most sense.
The Giants are in need of a true No.1. This is actually to Boldin’s detriment, however. The reason being is the Giants don’t view Boldin as an actual number one and feel he is more of a 1a or 2. While his production is rock solid and he is great with the football after the catch, he has played with Fitzgerald opposite him for the past five years and that has certainly helped out his production greatly.
Also, with the Giants, it’s as much about the scheme. A top receiver opens things up for everyone else and keeps that safety deep, which in turn allows their powerful running game to get a full head of steam.
So Boldin’s not the ideal fit for New York, especially at what his price tag will most likely be: a 1st, 3rd and possibly another pick. And don’t forget the $10M per year he’ll demand when he signs that long term deal.
The Philadelphia Eagles however, are an entirely different story.
They’re a pass first team that would incorporate Boldin into their schemes in order to take pressure off of Brian Westbrook, Mr. Everything. They don’t need that big time threat to open up things for the running game because they only run the ball about 40% of the time as is.
But with young receiver DeSean Jackson on one side, Boldin on the other, and Westbrook out of the backfield, it would certainly give Reid plenty of toys to work with and McNabb the type of receiving threats he’s been longing for since T.O. was catching touchdowns in the Linc.
So with two first round picks in next week’s NFL Draft, the Eagles definitely have the bartering power in order to pry Boldin away from Arizona and still keep one of their first round picks and their second on hand to continue to add to the team.
If I was a betting man, and I’m not, except against Romo in December, I’d say that if Boldin were to move, it’d most likely be to the Eagles and the fit would be beneficial to all.
Of course that all depends on whether Eagles Owner Jeff Lurie, a notoriously frugal man when it comes to paying top tier receivers, decides it finally makes sense to bring a big target in for McNabb and pay out the money commensurate with a receiver of his standing.
