BOLDIN WATCH ‘08
Mike Schottey-NFL Correspondent/Senior Writer
August 19, 2008-Tempe, Arizona
According to reports by the Arizona Republic (confirmed Tuesday morning by the Cardinals) Anquan Boldin has demanded a trade because he’s not getting “Larry Fitzgerald-Money.” I think this is a horrible personal decision for Anquan but I say that not knowing exactly what they’re offering. Anquan lacks the top end speed to be a true number one in this league and his agent needs to show him that. However, he certainly deserves more than he was getting.
It is looking on initial reports that Arizona will keep Boldin and hope he honors he contract (which he will) in order to make his tradeability rise. Here’s my personal handicap for possible suitors.
Dallas: This would be a mistake for Dallas because they need a receiver who can help T.O. by stretching the field and replace T.O. Anquan would certainly make Dallas a more dynamic offense but there are better options for the Cowboys.
Philadelphia: This move certainly works because Lito Sheppard+draft pick could get it done. In Philly, Anquan would be a perfect fit for the #2 (moving Kevin Curtis to the slot). Expect rumors.
New York Jets: Could anything else go right for them if this happens? Brett Favre would love a receiver who is in the Donald Driver-mold. Only Boldin is a step faster and more athletic with a lot more upside. At this point I wouldn’t bet on this happening, but I think a call will be made.
Buffalo Bills: Just about everyone and their brother thought the Bills should take a tall strapping Wideout with their first pick in ‘08. They didn’t. They did however take James Hardy with their second pick. If Boldin is added to the mix, Lee Evans would continue to start games, but would definitely move to the slot when Hardy was brought in. This potential group would be one of the best young WR units I can remember.
Tennessee Titans: Somewhere Vince Young is praying for this to happen. Seriously? The Titans WR unit needs help and although none of them have the speed to complement Boldin perfectly…one of their running backs does. If Boldin wants to be a #1 this would be his spot.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Come home baby! Boldin grew up in Pahokee, FL which is about a three hour drive from Tampa. Add Boldin to an already-good Buccaneers team and I smell NFC Championship. In fact, don’t even waste time trading a draft pick. First round choice in ‘08, Aqib Talib has been a problem in Tampa. Trade the two straight up and its a win-win deal.
New York Giants: OK, first off I REALLY like their receiving corps but adding Boldin would be sick. Boldin would start opposite Plaxico Burress and would be a great complement. Sending Derrick Ward/Ahmad Bradshaw+draft pick would be a small price to pay.
Atlanta Falcons: Right now, Jerious Norwood for Anquan Boldin, straight up. Which team isn’t making that deal? Norwood would still get a lot of touches behind Turner but Boldin would be a great receiver to help the maturation of Matt Ryan. Pairing a rookie QB with a speedster like Roddy White is a bad idea. Boldin would be a safe option every play. Norwood would be a great heir apparent to Edge in Arizona.
Indianapolis Colts/New England Patriots: These last two locales are long shots but perfect fits for Anquan. Moss/Wayne are dynamic downfield threats on every play. Manning/Brady are both QBs who can make multiple recievers happy. Both teams need something to reestablish the sheer dominance they were supposed to have and reload their aging offenses.
