Veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin is making his first free agent visit of the month, according to Mike Jones and Master Tesfatsion of the Washington Post, who report (via Twitter) that Washington is hosting Boldin for a visit today.
Boldin, who will turn 36 in October, is one of the older free agents on the market, but there’s reason to believe he still has something left in the tank. After joining the 49ers in 2013, the former second-round pick posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, with 12 total touchdowns in ’13 and ’14.
Boldin slowed down a little in 2015, missing a couple games due to injury and finishing with 69 receptions for 789 yards and four touchdowns. However, given the Niners’ quarterback situation last season, and taking into account how weak this year’s group of free agent wideouts was, it’s reasonable to consider Boldin one of the better options available this offseason.
We heard last week that the 49ers have not offered a contract to Boldin, which leaves the door open for him to sign with Washington or another team. The veteran wideout reportedly wants to continue his NFL career with a title contender, and while it’s not clear whether Jay Gruden‘s club fits that bill, adding Boldin to the mix would certainly make for an intriguing collection of pass-catchers in D.C.
Tight end Jordan Reed was Kirk Cousins‘ favorite target in 2015, while DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Jamison Crowder head the team’s wide receiver depth chart. Still, Washington isn’t especially deep at the position, particularly since Andre Roberts is a candidate for release, so if the club could add Boldin on the cheap, it would give Cousins yet another weapon.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Boldin is a nice fit in that offense, as he adds an over-the-middle presence that runs the intermediate routes wells, and he should have some room to work with Garcon and Jackson keeping defenses honest downfield.
He should go to the panthers, they still need a good pair of hands
Looks like 49ers want to move on and want to get younger at WR. It not a bad idea. But AB still a good player and great to have has a vet leader