Anquan Boldin - Pro Football Rumors

Extra Points: Boldin, Hawk, Mathis, Chargers

June 2nd, 2016 at 8:50pm CST by Dallas Robinson

When I ranked Anquan Boldin as the second-best offensive free agent left on the market, I noted that even as he ages, the veteran receiver continues to maintain consistent production, managing at least 65 receptions in each of the past five seasons, and averaging nearly 1,000 yards and five scores during that period. So why is he still unsigned? Albert Breer of the TheMMQB.com wanted an answer to that question, and asked a scouting director for a response. The executive’s position on Boldin? “He’s old and can’t run.”

With that blunt answer out of the way, let’s take a look at several more notes from around the league…

Like Boldin, A.J. Hawk is another veteran that remains unsigned, but he tells Jim Owcazrski of the Cincinnati Enquirer that he’s staying in shape and hoping for an interested team to contact him later in the summer. While he allowed that such a phone call might not come until late in camp or even after the start of the regular season (when veteran salaries are no longer guaranteed), Hawk maintained that he has not yet set a timetable for retirement.
Robert Mathis hasn’t yet reached free agency like Boldin and Hawk, but the edge rusher is set hit the open market at season’s end. As Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star writes, the Colts haven’t shown any proclivity for hanging on to household names simply for the fanfare, so Mathis might be playing his last season with the club. Could retirement be an option? “I’ll tally it up at the end of the season,” said Mathis. “If I feel I should walk away, then that’s what I should do. But if not, I’m gonna keep playing.”
The Chargers‘ decision on whether or not to stay in San Diego could percolate through the end of the 2016 regular season, sources tell Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link), who outlines some of the potential legal challenges that could stifle the team’s options. The decision can’t wait for too long, as the Chargers’ to move to Los Angeles expires on January 15, 2017.
ESPN.com’s NFL writers each listed a veteran who could be on the roster bubble, and some surprising names made the list, including Barkevious Mingo, Justin Hunter, Marquess Wilson, and Matt Elam.

WR Notes: Boldin, Bryant, Austin, Patterson

June 1st, 2016 at 7:39pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Anquan Boldin piled up 69 receptions and nearly 800 yards in San Francisco’s anemic passing attack last season and could ostensibly help someone in 2016. The soon-to-be 36-year-old remains a free agent, though, and teams seemingly aren’t beating down the door for his services. When Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com asked a pro scouting director why the potential future Hall of Famer is still without a contract, the personnel man told Breer, “He’s old and can’t run” (Twitter link). Boldin has never been a burner, but he has still managed to rack up over 1,000 catches and 74 touchdowns in 13 seasons. As of earlier this month, the 49ers hadn’t yet ruled out re-signing Boldin – whom PFR’s Dallas Robinson ranks as the second-best offensive free agent on the market. If San Francisco opts against bringing him back, it could have another option in the still-unsigned James Jones. The longtime Packer expressed interest in signing with the Niners earlier today.

The latest on a few other wideouts:

An X-ray on Cowboys star Dez Bryant‘s surgically repaired right foot revealed positive news Wednesday, and he’s now “in the clear” when it comes to being able to participate in football drills, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Foot and ankle issues derailed last season for Bryant, who recorded career worsts across the board and will join quarterback Tony Romo as they look to bounce back this year.
The Rams’ Tavon Austin has just 123 receptions in his three-year career, but head coach Jeff Fisher believes the 5-foot-8, 176-pounder could eclipse the 100-catch mark this season as the go-to option in the club’s Jared Goff-led offense. “We’re going to be able to, if need be, hand it off to Todd (Gurley) and if someone says ‘we’re not going to let you do that,’ then we’re going to spread it around,” Fisher told the Rams’ website, per TurfShowTimes.com (hat tip to Kevin Patra of NFL.com). “And so when it’s all said and done, I think we’ll be able to look back and I think see Tavon maybe double in catches over what he had last year.” After Austin logged 52 grabs in 2015, the Rams elected in May to pick up his fifth-year option for 2017, meaning the 2013 first-rounder could be under their control for at least two more seasons.
Earlier this spring, the Vikings unsurprisingly declined Cordarrelle Patterson‘s fifth-year option for 2017, though his goal is to remain in Minnesota for the long haul. “I’d love to be here. If I don’t, I’ll take my talents somewhere else,” Patterson said Wednesday (Twitter link via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press). Patterson, a first-rounder in 2013, was a disappointment on offense in his first two seasons (78 total catches, five touchdowns). His production fell off a cliff last year, though, as he was barely part of the Vikings’ passing attack and picked up just two targets (both of which ended in receptions) while dressing for all 16 of their regular-season games.

AFC Notes: Colts, Jets, Bills

May 21st, 2016 at 10:59am CST by Ben Levine

Some assorted notes from around the AFC…

There’s no denying Anquan Boldin‘s professionalism, but ESPN.com’s Mike Wells says the veteran wideout may not necessarily be a fit for the Colts. The writer refers to the organization’s last three veteran receiver signings (Darrius Heyward-Bey, Hakeem Nicks, Andre Johnson) and their lack of production.
The Colts have not had any discussions with Dwight Freeney regarding a return to Indy, tweets ESPN’s Mike Wells. The writer notes that the organization prefers to develop their younger pass rushers.
Rex Ryan has coached a number of talented receivers throughout his career. However, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com notes that the current Bills head coach was particularly infatuated with Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. while coaching the Jets. “Believe me, I was trying to trade for him [with the Jets] when he had the hamstring,” Ryan said. “I was reading the [New York] papers, and I was like, ‘Well, hell, we’ll take him.'”
The Bills placed running back Dri Archer on the reserve/did not report list earlier this week, and Ryan acknowledged to Tyler Dunne of The Buffalo News (via Twitter) that the former third-rounder still hasn’t returned his calls.

Best Available NFL Free Agents: Offense

May 19th, 2016 at 11:30am CST by Dallas Robinson

The most high-profile free agent signings occurred more than two months ago, but as we near June there are still talented NFL free agents available on the open market. Most of these players (with a few exceptions) won’t command much guaranteed money, and given that we’ve passed the May 12 deadline, none will factor into the compensatory draft pick formula. Let’s take a look at the players who will try to find a home as training camp approaches:

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB: The most obvious destination for Fitzpatrick remains the Jets, who don’t intend to play second-round pick Christian Hackenberg immediately but, as of the draft, hadn’t had meaningful talks with Fitz’s camp in awhile. The 33-year-old Fitzpatrick has apparently told people he’d “rather not play football” in 2016 than accept New York’s current offer, though that seems like a negotiating ploy to get the Jets to put more than $7-8MM on the table. Gang Green holds all the leverage in this scenario, as the only other club that might have still been searching for a quarterback — the Broncos — is thought to have ended their hunt for another signal-caller after drafting Paxton Lynch last month.

2. Anquan Boldin, WR: Even as he ages, Boldin continues to post solid production — he’s managed at least 65 receptions in each of the past four years, averaging nearly 1,000 yards and five touchdowns during that time. And while the 49ers have not asked him to return in 2016, Boldin could be an option for a number of wide receiver-needy teams, as the Bengals, Steelers, Colts, Chiefs, and Giants could all make varying levels of sense for the veteran pass-catcher, especially given that he’s indicated he’d prefer to play for a contender. Boldin has taken just one free agent visit this offseason, but that team — Washington — is unlikely to still have interest given that it selected TCU wideout Josh Doctson in the first round of the draft.

3. Arian Foster, RB: There’s no question that Foster offers the highest upside of any free agent on this list, as he’s topped 1,200 yards rushing in every season that he’s remained even remotely healthy. But health, of course, has remained a hindrance throughout Foster’s career — in 2015 alone, Foster was slowed by a groin injury during camp before suffering a torn Achilles in in Week 7. The Dolphins met with Foster earlier this offseason and could still be a landing spot, while the Raiders, Eagles, and Chargers (especially if Melvin Gordon‘s recovery from microfracture surgery doesn’t go well) could be options.

4. Jahri Evans, G: Knee and ankle injuries limited Evans to 11 games in 2015, but like Foster, Evans is a solid contributor when he’s on the field, as he graded as the league’s No. 27 guard among 81 qualifiers last year, per Pro Football Focus. Entering his age-33 season, Evans might have to be willing to engage in a camp battle for a starting role, or even wait until a club suffers an injury along its offensive interior. But a team like the Broncos, who are currently projected to start sixth-round rookie Connor McGovern at right guard, could express interest.

5. Louis Vasquez, G: Vasquez isn’t quite the guard that Evans is, but he offers a vast amount of experience, as he played over 1,000 snaps in 2015 with Denver, and has started 101 games since entering the league in 2009. Not yet 30 years old, Vasquez could help a number of clubs at either guard position — he met with the Titans earlier this offseason, and depending on its assessment of Jeremiah Poutasi, Tennessee may still be interested. The Chiefs, having failed to replace Jeff Allen, could also make sense as a destination.

6. Andre Johnson, WR: After posting the worst full-season results of his career, Johnson was released by the Colts just one season into a three-year pact. Whether interested clubs will determine that Johnson was victimized by a lackluster 2015 Indianapolis (and largely Andrew Luck-less) offense — or instead conclude that Johnson is just about finished at age-34 — is an open question, but the 13-year veteran has indicated that he’d like to continue playing in 2016.

7. Will Beatty, T: Beatty is expected to be fully healthy this summer after missing the entire 2015 season with a torn pectoral muscle, but he reportedly won’t be returning to the Giants. It’s a little surprising that Beatty hasn’t yet found a home for 2016, but he shouldn’t have to wait much longer, as he’s clearly the best tackle available on the open market (his top competition is the likes of Jake Long and Mike Adams). I could see the Bears bringing in Beatty to compete with Charles Leno on the blindside, while the Cardinals could also be a feasible landing spot if they aren’t happy with D.J. Humphries — who didn’t play a single snap as a rookie — at right tackle.

8. James Jones, WR: Another season catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, another successful year for Jones, who returned to Green Bay after a year in Oakland to post 50 receptions for nearly 900 yards an eight touchdowns. Jones, now 32, has indicated that he’d like to play for awhile longer, though the Packers have reportedly moved on. After waiting until July of last year to sign with the Giants (and September to reunite with the Pack), Jones could again have to wait awhile to find a new team, but whoever signs him will be acquiring a big-play threat — in 2015, Jones ranked fourth in the league with 17.8 yards per reception.

9. Ryan Wendell, C/G: Perhaps the least recognizable name on this list, Wendell spent the last seven seasons as a utility interior lineman with the Patriots, and ended up starting 44 contests from 2012-2014. A knee injury prematurely ended Wendell’s 2015 season in November, and a March report stated that Wendell would wait until he returned to full health before signing with a new team. A return to New England can’t be ruled out, but a club like the Cardinals — who are currently projecting A.Q. Shipley to start at center — could also be on Wendell’s radar.

10. Owen Daniels, TE: Daniels has spent all ten of his NFL seasons under the tutelage of Gary Kubiak, following the coach from Houston to Baltimore and, finally, to Denver. That streak of loyalty is now in danger after the Broncos released Daniels earlier this year, though Kubiak did not rule out re-signing the veteran tight end (Denver has since signed fellow TE Garrett Graham, however). Even at age-33, Daniels performed in line with his career averages, posting 48 receptions for more than 500 yards and four touchdowns.

Honorable mention: Tarvaris Jackson, QB; Joique Bell, RB; Bryce Brown, RB; Marques Colston, WR; Brian Hartline, WR; Roddy White, WR; Khaled Holmes, C; Amini Silatolu, G.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC Notes: Whitner, Boldin, Eagles, Saints

May 13th, 2016 at 7:32pm CST by Luke Adams

It’s been more than a month since free agent safety Donte Whitner paid a visit to the Rams, but Whitner continues to be “in play” for L.A., tweets Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News. Since the veteran safety was cut by Cleveland, there was no need for any team to wait until after May 12 to sign Whitner — he wouldn’t have counted toward the compensatory draft pick formula either way.

A report earlier this week indicated that the 49ers have not made an effort to re-sign wide receiver Anquan Boldin. However, general manager Trent Baalke said today that the door isn’t closed on a possible reunion between the two sides (Twitter link via Tom Pelissero of USA Today). While Baalke likes his team’s young receiving talent, the Niners are still exploring all their options.
On Thursday, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that the Eagles received verbal commitments from Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, with both quarterbacks agreeing to accept offset language in their rookie contracts if they were drafted at No. 2 by Philadelphia. Today, Florio followed up on that story by writing that the NFL has no comment on the subject — it’s not clear whether the Eagles violated negotiating rules, or whether the league plans to do anything about it.
Veteran free agent outside linebacker Matt Shaughnessy will work out for the Saints this weekend, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Shaughnessy, a third-round pick in 2009, has appeared in 75 total NFL contests for Oakland and Arizona, but missed the entire 2015 campaign due to injury.
Reports continue to link the Raiders to Las Vegas, but Falcons owner Arthur Blank isn’t yet entirely sold on the idea. “I think whether or not there are enough people in Las Vegas to support a team is a question,” Blank told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. “I haven’t seen the data on that to support it or not support it. It’s certainly a dynamic market. It’s a growth market. It’s got tremendous tourism, a lot of convention business. So it’s certainly a consideration.”

Dallas Robinson contributed to this post.

49ers Haven’t Asked Bush, Boldin To Return

May 11th, 2016 at 6:10pm CST by Zachary Links

No huge surprise here, but the 49ers have not asked running back Reggie Bush or wide receiver Anquan Boldin to re-sign, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com tweets.

Bush, 31, announced in February that he is intent on playing in 2016. What isn’t clear, however, is whether there is strong interest from NFL teams in making that a reality. Bush later signed with the 49ers last season, but he played just five games before tearing his left ACL on the concrete at the Edwards Jones Dome in St. Louis. It was a terrible ending to a year that never really got started – Bush ran for just 28 yards before his unfortunate spill.

As for Boldin, today’s news means that things have not changed since about three weeks ago when things were said to be quiet between SF and the veteran. Boldin’s visited Washington in late March (his only free agent visit to date), but he says that he will not rush to put pen to paper. In other words, if Washington made an offer to the 35-year-old, then it was for less money than Boldin feels he is worth.

Boldin had a down year in 2015, missing a couple games due to injury and finishing with 69 receptions for 789 yards and four touchdowns. However, someone taking an optimistic view on Boldin might argue that the Niners’ quarterback situation hurt his performance. Prior to the start of free agency, Pro Football Rumors rated Boldin as the fifth-best free agent wide receiver available.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

49ers, Anquan Boldin Haven’t Had Contract Talks

April 24th, 2016 at 4:32pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The 49ers have made no attempt to re-sign veteran receiver Anquan Boldin, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, but that could change when San Francisco begins OTAs. Per Maiocco, if head coach Chip Kelly is underwhelmed with the club’s pass-catching options, he could work with general manager Trent Baalke to bring Boldin back into the fold.

Boldin has taken just one free agent visit thus far (with Washington), but he said he earlier this month that he’s not interested in rushing into a signing. “I’m taking my time right now,” Boldin said. “It’s the first time in 13 years I’ve been a free agent, so I get to pick where I want to go now. I’m definitely going to take my time and make the best decision for me and my family.”

Boldin, 35, is working out in South Florida and staying in shape as he waits for the right opportunity. Even though he has enjoyed a long career and even has a Super Bowl ring, the veteran says that he is not thinking about retirement. Last season, Boldin recorded only 69 catches for 789 yards and four touchdowns, so he’s probably looking to go out with a stronger campaign. Boldin’s struggles, in large part, can be attributed to the turmoil surrounding the 49ers and their difficulties at quarterback.

Though Maiocco indicates that Boldin could be an option for the Niners down the line, a reunion seems unlikely, if only because Boldin says he’d like to play for a contender, something San Francisco is not expected to be in 2016. The 49ers seem likely to roll with their receiving corps (where Torrey Smith is the only veteran of the bunch), and possibly invest a mid-round pick at the position.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Boldin Taking Time On Free Agent Decision

April 14th, 2016 at 2:58pm CST by Zachary Links

Anquan Boldin is still without a team in mid-April, but he’s not in a particular rush to sign, as Jamey Eisenberg of CBSSports.com writes.

“I’m taking my time right now,” Boldin said. “It’s the first time in 13 years I’ve been a free agent, so I get to pick where I want to go now. I’m definitely going to take my time and make the best decision for me and my family.”

Boldin, 35, is working out in South Florida and staying in shape as he waits for the right opportunity. Even though he has enjoyed a long career and even has a Super Bowl ring, the veteran says that he is not thinking about retirement. Last season, Boldin recorded only 69 catches for 789 yards and four touchdowns, so he’s probably looking to go out with a stronger campaign. Boldin’s struggles, in large part, can be attributed to the turmoil surrounding the 49ers and their difficulties at quarterback.

Boldin made his first free agent visit a little over two weeks ago when he met with Washington. However, the wide receiver says that he is hoping to sign with a team that can win the Super Bowl and Washington isn’t exactly a leading contender.

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. Over the course of his career, Boldin has made three Pro Bowls while racking up 13,195 yards off of 1,009 catches with 74 touchdowns.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Anquan Boldin Visiting Washington

March 29th, 2016 at 2:38pm CST by Luke Adams

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.

NFC Notes: Norman, Megatron, Seahawks

March 22nd, 2016 at 9:36pm CST by Rory Parks

We learned yesterday that Josh Norman and the Panthers are far apart in discussions on a new, multi-year contract, and if those negotiations do not start to gain traction, Norman could miss voluntary workouts and OTAs and possibly the mandatory June minicamp. But as David Newton of ESPN.com writes, Carolina GM Dave Gettleman downplayed that speculation, saying that he does not expect the Norman situation to create much of a distraction.

Said Gettleman, “Josh is a pro and I don’t think there’ll be any issues. He and I had a great conversation before I put the tag on him. He understands where I’m at. I understand where he’s at. We respect each other’s stance and we’ll just see if we can get [it] done.” Gettleman added that he and head coach Ron Rivera are “very comfortable” regardless of whether Norman signs a long-term deal with the Panthers prior to the July 15 deadline or whether he plays out the 2016 season under the franchise tag.

Now let’s take a look at some more links from around the NFC:

There was some speculation earlier this month that Calvin Johnson wanted to retire as a free agent rather than under Lions control so that, in case he ever came out of retirement, he would be free to choose his next destination. Of course, Megatron ultimately retired as a member of the Lions, but according to Detroit president Rod Wood, it’s a moot point anyway, as he would be “very surprised” if Johnson ever expressed a desire to return to the NFL (video link via Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press).
Seahawks GM John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll each signed three-year contract extensions in 2014 that take them through the 2016 season, which means they are both entering the final years of their respective deals. As Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com writes, however, Schneider says his contract is a “non-story.” Schneider said, “Pete and I have a great relationship, and we are just in a really good spot. We are just going to keep staying together and keep doing what we are doing and see how long we can make it last.” Kapadia believes the most likely scenario is that both men will sign extensions in the coming months, and we know that the club has already been working on a new deal for Carroll.
The Seahawks‘ offensive line was the subject of a great deal of criticism in 2015, and it does not look like it will be much better in 2016. Per Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, Schneider has indicated that if the season started today, last year’s right tackle, Garry Gilliam, would compete with the newly-acquired Bradley Sowell to be the club’s starting left tackle, with another free agent acquisition, J’Marcus Webb, penciled in at right tackle. In addition to losing Russell Okung in free agency, the Seahawks also lost right guard J.R. Sweezy, but Schneider offered no indication that the team would pursue any additional signings or trades to beef up its line.
Ralpha Vacchiano of The New York Daily News does not believe the Giants are done spending in free agency, and at the very least, he expects the team to pursue a veteran offensive lineman and a veteran safety. He does not, however, believe Big Blue will bring back Rueben Randle or Will Beatty.
The 49ers have not made a contract offer to free agent wideout Anquan Boldin, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, and while GM Trent Baalke said he has by no means closed the door on a possible reunion, he did not sound especially optimistic that Boldin would return to San Francisco next season. As Baalke said, “A lot of it is going to depend whether he feels and we feel it’s a fit moving forward with what we’re trying to do offensively and what he’s looking for at this stage of his career.” Boldin has already stated his desire to play for a title contender in 2016, and it is currently difficult to imagine the 49ers fitting that description.