The 49ers have made it clear that they want impending free agent WR Anquan Boldin back next season. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee expects the contract length to be the primary issue in negotiations.
“Expect the money in Anquan Boldin’s deal to be similar to the three-year, $17.5M deal Reggie Wayne got in 2012. Question is 2 or 3 years“, Barrows writes via Twitter.
Boldin proved to be a major coup for GM Trent Baalke who gave up a sixth-round choice to the Ravens for the veteran WR. After a disappointing regular season in Baltimore, Boldin registered 85 catches for 1,179 yards and 7 touchdowns last year, as well as his trademark toughness and blocking ability.
Wayne, by way of comparison, signed his contract extension with the Colts in 2012, with $7.5 million guaranteed. His contract takes him through age 36. Boldin is set to turn 34 in October.
The 49ers do envision big things for WR Quinton Patton, but it is clear that Boldin is a key piece of the wide receiver corps moving forward.
We have Boldin listed as the No. 47 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.
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Having Boldin cinched for the next couple of years would help the 49ers settle into a more efficient passing team. With Crabtree and Patton healthy and productive, the wide receiver corps is fairly well set for 2014.
Add Benjamin (with a move up in the first round), and the 49ers will have solved their red zone problem and their third down problem at last.