Ravens Debates: Should We Bring Anquan Boldin Back?
The Baltimore Ravens are getting ready for the free agency mayhem that is about to happen and there is one player who becomes a very interesting free agent. Anquan Boldin is one of the most popular players in NFL history, but should the Ravens sign the 35 year old receiver?
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Boldin was productive with the San Francisco 49ers. In 2013 he had 85 receptions for 1,179 yards and 7 touchdowns. The 2014 season saw almost identical production. In Jim Harbaugh’s offense he was a key piece to the 49ers attack. In 2015, Boldin had 69 receptions for 789 yards and four touchdowns. His numbers did dip a bit this past season, but the 2015 49ers were a train wreck.
Despite the 49ers being horrible and Blaine Gabbert replacing Colin Kaepernick as the starting quarterback, Boldin managed to put up similar production to his last year with the Ravens. The argument can definitely be made that Boldin is the same player he was when the Ravens traded him to the 49ers.
Boldin was such an instrumental figure in the Ravens march to the Super Bowl. He was without a doubt Joe Flacco’s favorite receiver. Flacco and Boldin had a very special chemistry on the field that provided big plays for Baltimore. Emotionally this is an easy decision. Bringing Boldin back would be an affordable option that would make many Ravens fans joyful. It certainly wouldn’t bother the Ravens quarterback.
The problem is that the Ravens already have one star receiver nearing retirement. Steve Smith Sr. and Boldin would be an amazing combination. Having two leaders with heart is always a good thing to have. Yet neither Smith Sr. or Boldin is a long-term solution at the Ravens rather bleak receiver position. Other than Smith Sr. the Ravens have Kamar Aiken (who is presumably kept) and just maybe Breshad Perriman.
The Ravens may be more inclined to bring in a younger option. Travis Benjamin for example is a good fit here. Benjamin is a quality receiver from the Cleveland Browns who can make plays down the field. Just because Boldin is our favorite option doesn’t necessarily make him our best option.
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Like with anything there are pros and cons to the Ravens bringing in Anqaun Boldin. What do you think Ravens Nation? Should the Ravens reunite with the most popular receiver in team history?