Anquan Boldin Upset With Cardinals
Pro-Bowl Receiver Stops Negotiations With Arizona Cardinals
Jul 25, 2008 Derek J Griebenow
Upon entering his sixth season in the NFL, all with Arizona, wide receiver Anquan Boldin expected a new long term deal. As training camp starts, the Cardinals failed to produce an offer; upsetting their Pro-Bowl receiver. Boldin will play in Arizona in 2008 but beyond that his future in Arizona is uncertain.
Boldin Upset with Cardinals
This may just be a case of “where is the love?” After the 2007 season, fellow Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald, received a four-year $40 million extension. Fitzgerald and Boldin are the heart and soul of the Cardinals passing attack. Boldin only makes $4 million a season.
Like Fitzgerald, Boldin has been selected to two Pro-Bowls in his career. Unlike Fitzgerald, Boldin was NFL Rookie of the Year in 2003. Larry was drafted in 2004.
Anquan is a very strong, physical receiver much like the Dallas Cowboys Terrell Owens. He provides defensive mismatches week in and week out versus the opposition.
Anquan Boldin has set various receiving records in his five years of service for Arizona. As a rookie in 2003 he caught 101 passes; a rookie record. He set a record for most yards receiving in a NFL debut with 217 yards. He is also the fastest player to compile 300 receptions (47 games) and also to 400; set in 2007.
With career stats of 413 receptions, 5,458 yards, and 29 touchdowns, why stall on a contract? Boldin has been consistent throughout his career and gives 110% every time the ball is snapped. Doesn’t Arizona want to keep the duo of Fitzgerald & Boldin together for years to come? Maybe the contract Fitzgerald signed was the passing of the bar in Arizona.
If the Cardinals want to compete in the NFC they need to keep all the talent they can. Before training camp, Boldin wanted a new contract to remain a Cardinal possibly until retirement.
After the front office balked, they may see him leave via free-agency in 2010. A sad scenario given that Arizona has two elite receivers and may have failed on locking both up long term.
With third-year quarterback Matt Leinart struggling his first two years in the league, having competent receivers is a must. Having two Pro Bowlers to throw to would ease any quarterbacks mind. Most teams in the NFL don’t even have one elite receiver on its roster.
Bolden Wants Commitment from Cardinals
In an era where receivers demand to be traded or paid more, Boldin just wanted commitment from Arizona. It appeared that he wanted to be a Cardinal for life, but the front office failed on its part to commit. Can the situation be resolved? In Arizona’s case they better hope so; talent like Anquan Boldin doesn’t come around very often.
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