Free agent WR Anquan Boldin mentioned during an interview with Arizona Sports 98.7-FM that he would prefer to sign on with a team before the start of training camp, so he can learn a new system.
“I look at the offseason as something that’s for younger guys,” Boldin said in an interview with Arizona Sports 98.7-FM. “If you’re a younger guy, it’s necessary for you to get in there to learn a new system, to learn your coaches, learn a new environment. For veteran guys, I don’t think it’s as necessary, personally. I like to spend that time with my family. … For me, training camp is a necessary evil. I think that’s the only way you can get prepared for a season. So I prefer to sign right before training camp to make sure I get in, learn the new system, learn my teammates, get all the mistakes out of the way, get hit a couple times to make sure that when that first game comes I feel fully prepared.”
Boldin added that he’s looking for the “right situation” that makes sense for him and his family.
“For me, it’s just finding the right situation and that’s to make sure I’m comfortable and my family is comfortable wherever I am. So finding that right situation is the best way to put it,” Boldin said.
Last we heard regarding Boldin, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press mentioned that some close to Boldin believe he would prefer to play near his home in Florida.
The problem with this idea is that the Jaguars, Dolphins, and Buccaneers are all pretty deep at receiver right now, so it could require an injury for them to seriously entertain the idea of adding a veteran like Boldin.
Boldin, 36, is a former second-round pick of the Cardinals back in 2003. He spent seven years in Arizona before being traded to the Ravens in 2010. Baltimore later traded him to the 49ers where’s he’s remained for the past three seasons.
Boldin finished out his two-year, $12 million contract with the Ravens before signing a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Lions last July.
In 2016, Boldin appeared in 16 games for the Lions and caught 67 passes for 584 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Pro Football Focus rated him as the No. 70 overall receiver out of 115 qualifying players.
We have him featured in our Top 50 Available Free Agents list.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
