Anquan Boldin signs two-year deal
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 23-17 to advance to Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers always viewed re-signing wide receiver Anquan Boldin as their top priority this offseason, and they have been in talks with him over the past month. Any deal with Boldin has always been expected to be a two-year pact, as Boldin is 33 years old and at risk of suffering a sudden decline. That said, he shouldn’t have a pronounced decline, since his game is predicated upon his excellent hands, solid route-running, great size, and physical nature. Even though he clearly isn’t a No. 1 receiver at this stage of his career, he’s a great No. 2 option and forms a top duo with Michael Crabtree. Re-signing him was key, and the 49ers have done just that.
Not even an hour ago, ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that a new deal between Boldin and the 49ers was expected to take place within the next 24 hours, and Boldin has officially announced that a deal has taken place. A source told CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco that the team MVP’s deal will indeed last two seasons, and it will be interesting to see how much money he will make per year. My guess is around $5 million, as that’s fair compensation for a talented-but-aging wideout.
One of the best locker room glue guys around, Anquan Boldin helped hold the 49ers passing attack when Crabtree was out by being one of the league’s most efficient receivers due to his possession-style. He finished with 85 receptions for 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns last season, proving plenty of people who doubted his ability to be productive at the age of 33 wrong.
Update: ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that Boldin is being compensated quite nicely, as he’ll make $12 million over the next two seasons, with a whopping $9 million being guaranteed. Looks like Trent Baalke isn’t worried about a decline.