Anquan Boldin Has Change of Heart

By now it's a predictable story arc: player complains about current deal, player clamors for trade unless he gets new deal, player realizes that he has no leverage because he's already under contract, player backs down -- even hinting that he might be willing to stay with the team even though, you know, it's ultimately not up to him.

Reprising the role of disgruntled, underpaid millionaire this offseason: Anquan Boldin, who has made it clear that he wants out of Arizona and there's nothing the organization can do to change his mind. As recently as two weeks ago, he told the USA Today that "I don't think the relationship can be repaired with the organization," so he's obviously very serious. Or maybe not.

Boldin's agent Drew Rosenhaus told Cardinals general manager Rod Graves that, while his client remains receptive to a trade, he is willing to sign a long-term deal with Arizona. ...

However, if a long-term deal cannot be worked out, Boldin still would like to be dealt. But for the time being, Boldin wanted to give the Cardinals additional options.

Very thoughtful of Boldin to give Arizona "additional options," particularly since he's got two years left on his contract and they could just choose to do nothing. Four years ago, the club first extended Boldin, giving him a new six-year, $23.5 million deal.

I don't begrudge the guy for wanting more money -- NFL contracts aren't guaranteed and he's certainly outplayed his current deal -- but it's hardly surprising he's willing to stay in Arizona, what with him not having much in the way of leverage.

Plus, all things being equal, where else is Boldin going to play where he'll get the opportunity to rack up gaudy offensive numbers? Kurt Warner (assuming he returns) and Larry Fitzgerald are possibly the two best things to happen to his career. There are worse fates than staying in Arizona.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-19-2009 @ 5:54PM

the cooker said...

Maybe Q heard a rumor that Al Davis and the Raiders were interested. That would make you change your mind in a heartbeat.

2-19-2009 @ 6:35PM

Buzz Cisler said...

I don't know what to say about this guy. I had so much respect for him coming back a few weeks after that horrific hit in New York...and then acting like a complete ass the remainder of the season. He's almost thirty...let him toil away with the likes of the Raiders, if money and renogotiating fits his ego.

2-19-2009 @ 7:37PM

pander2647 said...

Anquan Boldin reminds me of another past player. Remeber Javon Walker having an outstanding year with the Packers. He then wanted more money or be traded. He went to the Raider and Denver before nearly falling off the face of the earth. These guys have one good season and think they can walk on water. Who do they think they are? We fans are tired of dibbing up the bucks and then have them fall flat on their face. Maybe the Jets should have hit him harder and knocked some since into him...

2-20-2009 @ 10:47AM

Aztecsfan said...

Comparing Bolidin to Walker is an insult to Boldin. Boldin has basically been a stud since his rookie season. He's had 1,000 yds in 4 of his 6 seasons. The only two seasons he hasn't hit 1,000 yards he was hurt. The injury he dealt with this year (broken jaw) was pretty bad too but he still managed over a 1,000 yards and 11 TDs.

You obviously know nothing about both Boldin and the Cards. While Drew Rosenhaus is a punk (and the likely cause behind Boldin's behavior), the Cards' management has been historically one of the worst in American professional sports. Only recently have Michael Bidwill and Rod Graves finally been able to bring some respect to the franchise.

Boldin definitely sees the writing on the wall (Steve Breaston's emergence) and he wants out while he's still got a lot of productive years left. I would hate to see him leave Arizona but sometimes it doesn't make sense to keep a guy around that doesn't want to be there.

2-19-2009 @ 8:28PM

CallMeMrWright56 said...

Ok you two are stupid. PAY THE MAN! He was an intricate part of the cards offense, cut some of the useless players. RESTRUCTURE HIS CONTRACT Larry Can't do it all. I'd like to see you go out there and take those kind of hits, these guys throw their bodies around and get massive injuries they deserve to be paid, because after they stop playing their bodies still have problems for the rest of their lives.

2-19-2009 @ 10:42PM

strannge2 said...

im tired of this crap..........I CAN MAKE 5 MILLION BUT I WANT WHAT HES GOT OH SO POOR POOR PITYFUL ME ,,,,BOO HOO FOR ME BOO HOO

2-19-2009 @ 10:44PM

LETS GET OVER IT THIS CRAP IS PATHETIC I JUST WANT A GOOD JOB

2-20-2009 @ 3:49AM

Bob said...

Does anyone really expect anything less from yet another of Drew Rosenhaus's "disgruntled, underpaid millionaires"? All you have to do is look for that agent, and you have a pretty good idea of what the player is like. They call the players a "cancer" in the locker room--Rosenhaus seems to be the virus or genetic defect behind most of the "cancers" out there.

2-21-2009 @ 11:44AM

rnb2rde said...

This is so appaling discussing millions and millions of dollares to sports players? what about children and education and take 2 minutes and think how did you learn to read your contracts and sign your name?hmmm and how many MVPs share their
I'm sorry to my fans , family and organization for their past or present behaviors,

How many have 3 homes etc. Sports yes a great outlet and yes a few do go out and take hard hits.. just as educators and everyday blue collar workers do "we all take hard hits" wheteher it is the top CEOs or athletes as such that Cry because they are not making a billion THAT IS DISGUSTING and for career ending illnesses when they retire? HMM what about those who have illnesses now? Please you made your choice and how dare you any athlete believe you are worth more than 5 million oe 23 million for your "hits" or talents.. TEACHERS ARE WORTH MORE THAN 5 MILLION AND THEY GO MORE THAN 10000 YARDS A WEEK FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND THE FUTURE OF OUR WORLD.

I love sports and watching it, but as long as I can remember there seems to be only a few" wonders" that always stand out. But the cost of their talents I question with many behaviors and the apologies so sad as well as whining about 23 million when our STATE ARIZONA IS CUTTING FUNDING FOR THE MOST PRECIOUS AND VALUABLE ENTITY OUR CHILDREN CPS WORKERS ETC.. GET A LIFE OR GO INTO A CLASSROOM FOR A DAY AND YOU WILL THAN LEARN THE VALUE OF A DOLLAR. NOT TOO MANY TEACHERS , CPS WORKERS AND OTHER COMMON DAY WORKERS ARE WHINING AND THEIR JOBS ARE FACING CUTS.. NOT AT THE COST OF 23 MILLION TO WANTING 40 MILLION..

GOD BLESS THIS MESS.