Anquan Boldin: Cardinals haven’t called, want to continue playing
Apr 4, 2017, 12:58 PM | Updated: 3:33 pm
In this photo taken Dec. 26, 2016, then-Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) gains yardage after catching a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas. Boldin, Malcolm Jenkins of the Philadelphia Eagles and other players were meeting with members of Congress this week to push for legislation that leads to improved relationships between minority communities and local police(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
From 2003 to 2009, Anquan Boldin was one of the faces of the Arizona Cardinals.
Pretty much from the moment the team landed him in the second round of the 2003 draft out of Florida State until he was traded to Baltimore following the 2009 season, the receiver’s skill, physicality and passion made him a three-time Pro Bowler as well as a fan favorite.
Boldin’s tenure in Arizona finished on a rocky note, however, as contract and other issues led to him wanting out.
Since then, he went on to play for the Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions — winning a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2012 — and now, after catching 67 passes for 584 yards and eight touchdowns in Detroit, is looking to continue his career.
But if you are hoping a reunion between the free agent and the Cardinals is in store, it doesn’t look good.
“I haven’t heard anything from the Cardinals,” Boldin told Off the Edge with B-Train on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Tuesday. “You can never say never — I’m not sure of the situation that they have with receivers, but the last I checked, they’re pretty stacked at receiver.
“I don’t know how that would play out.”
Boldin is correct in that the Cardinals do not necessarily have a need at the position. Last week, head coach Bruce Arians said he was comfortable enough in his current wideouts to where he does not think the team needs to use a top-round draft pick on one, and though Boldin wants to continue his career, Arizona may not see a need for the 36-year-old.
That Boldin is still available shows other teams may feel the same way, however the veteran with 1,076 catches, 13,779 yards and 82 touchdowns on his resume has no plans of calling it a career just yet.
He already has 14 seasons under his belt, but is looking to add to the total.
“For me, it’s the opportunity to be a champion,” he said. “I’m a competitive guy — I love to compete — I think being in the NFL, it allows you one of the greatest stages to compete on.”
Anyone who has ever watched Boldin play understands just how competitive he is.
“So for me, that’s the thing that drives me: my passion for football, wanting to be a champion again, and just being able to have the opportunity to compete at a high level.”
