Denver Broncos: Anquan Boldin would make sense

If the Denver Broncos want to offset their losses on defense and win another Super Bowl in a much tougher AFC West, they should keep trying to upgrade their offense.

In theory, the Denver Broncos could be better at the quarterback position without Peyton Manning‘s frequent interceptions and woeful downfield accuracy holding the team back, but losing Manning isn’t addition by subtraction.

Last year, the Broncos passing game was restricted to the wide receiver duo of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, because nobody else emerged as a legitimate threat. The Broncos became concerned and traded for Vernon Davis, but his only contribution to the team was in the “drops” column.

Jeff Heuerman’s first season in the NFL will be highly anticipated by Broncos fans, and perhaps Virgil Green can finally make an impact at the tight end position for this team. However, none of the Broncos biggest offseason additions on offense (Paxton Lynch, Russell Okung, Devontae Booker, Mark Sanchez, and Connor McGovern) were pass-catchers.

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The Broncos don’t need another wide receiver to succeed on offense, because their running game should be much better in 2016 with a healthy C.J. Anderson and Booker being the 1-2 punch. But when you look at how Thomas had 177 targets, Sanders 136, and Jordan Norwood 32 as the top three receivers, you quickly see how unbalanced this offense was in 2015.

Now, the Broncos can cross their fingers and hope that one of Bennie Fowler, Cody Latimer, Jordan Taylor, Bralon Addison, or Norwood is a factor as the No. 3 receiver, or they can hedge their bets against these young players by signing a reliable veteran.

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) tackles San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s difficult to speak in absolutes when projecting NFL players, but Anquan Boldin is the safest option available. Call him slow, call him old, but make sure you also take the time to say that he’s productive.

Last year, Boldin was the only player on the pathetic 49ers offense to have at least 700 yards from scrimmage, as he caught 69 passes for 789 yards. The year before, Boldin had over 1,000 yards, even though the Niners offense wasn’t exactly a powerhouse (25th in points per game, 28th in net yards per pass attempt).

Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and quarterback Trevor Siemian (3) following a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Cardinals defeated the Broncos 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Boldin can succeed as a possession receiver in any situation, because he’s one of the toughest players in the league at the catch point. A natural fit as the “big slot”, Boldin could be a nice addition for the Broncos in three-wide sets. He and Sanders could switch spots inside or outside, because both players display that type of versatility, albeit by winning in extremely different ways.

It’s easy to get caught up with Boldin’s lack of speed, but he’s one of the few wide receivers well-equipped to stave off speed-related decline. First of all, speed was never a part of his game in the NFL, and, secondly, he’s just that smart.

Having Boldin in the locker room is always nice, and having him on the field in three-wide sets as a safe, stabilizing presence with good hands might be even more important with an unsettled situation at quarterback. If we’re to believe that Trevor Siemian has a fair shake at starting, which is what ESPN’s Adam Schefter maintains, then that might be all the more reason to sign Boldin.

The New Orleans Saints were linked to Boldin…and then they weren’t. Between the Saints and Broncos, Denver makes more sense, because in Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Coby Fleener, Michael Thomas, Brandon Coleman, and Josh Hill, Drew Brees has quantity and quality.

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrate a first down catch during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Of course, the Broncos can match almost anyone in the quality department with their wide receiver duo, but recall that Denver was 19th in points per game and 21st in net yards per pass attempt last season. They went after a veteran addition in Davis, but maybe it’s time to add a former 49er who is better at actually catching passes.

If Boldin is to sign anywhere, count me in as someone who thinks Denver can make sense, provided he’s willing to sign for $4 million or less on his one-year deal. Since he wants to play for a contender, a deal should at least be possible.

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