Anquan Boldin Gets a Chance with the Detroit Lions

Anquan Boldin is finally getting what may be his final chance to be a starting NFL wide receiver. With training camps underway, the 35-year-old was still searching for work with little avail.

His original contract with the San Francisco 49ers was originally set to keep him in the Bay Area through 2018, but after an unproductive season on a less-than mediocre team he was shown the door.

Finally, Boldin was able to reach an agreement with the Detroit Lions Tuesday afternoon on a one-year contract.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter first had the report that Boldin was heading to Detroit. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport says the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints also showed interest in the veteran prior to him signing with the Lions.

Anquan Boldin started his career in 2003 with the Arizona Cardinals, who selected him in the second round out of Florida State. After catching 44 touchdowns over seven seasons with Arizona, the Baltimore Ravens along with a fifth round pick in exchange for a third and fourth round pick in 2010.

While with the Ravens Boldin put up over 2,000 receiving yards over three seasons, including with the 2012 Super Bowl team. He had four touchdowns in Baltimore’s Super Bowl run that season, including the opening touchdown that helped put Baltimore up over the San Francisco 49ers in the battle of the Harbaugh brothers.

Subsequently, Anquan Boldin found his way to the 49ers via a trade the following offseason. He spent three seasons in San Francisco, where the franchise endured multiple changes in leadership.

Now with Detroit, Boldin can make the case to being a starting wide receiver. The Lions lost Calvin Johnson to an untimely retirement, and opted not to draft a replacement. Instead, they signed Marvin Jones, Andre Caldwell, Andre Roberts, and Jeremy Kerley in free agency. That group of players, coupled with the returning Golden Tate and tight end Eric Ebron, does not give quarterback Matthew Stafford the best receiving corp to work with.

Boldin now gives Detroit a viable veteran who, while not fully replacing Megatron’s superior talents, can be a reliable guy and help younger receivers master their craft.

Detroit will begin its 2016 season at Indianapolis on September 11, and then host the Titans the following week for their home opener.