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Should the Chiefs be Pursuing Arizona WR Anquan Boldin?

via static.nfl.com

As the dust settles on the 2009 NFL draft, it's clear that the biggest need after the draft for the Kansas City Chiefs is another solid wide receiver.

The team drafted WR/KR Quinten Lawrence in the 6th round of this past weekend's draft and that was the extent of the wide receiver help the Chiefs pursued in the draft. Lawrence isn't even a lock to make the Chiefs' final 53-man roster in August so clearly he isn't the next top receiver the Chiefs inevitably have on their minds.

What can the Chiefs do? Any serviceable free agent wide receivers were signed a long time ago. What options do we have for finding a solid WR out there? We signed a few already this off season, Bobby Engram and C.J. Wright but they are far from being reliable #2 type receivers.

That brings us to a popular off season topic around the NFL - Arizona WR Anquan Boldin. He's been brought up around here plenty of times before but not since the draft ended have we seriously discussed his situation.

The Situation

Drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft, Anquan Boldin has lit up the NFC West for going on six years now. Here are his career stats:

Year G GS Rec. Yards Avg. TD
2008 12 11 89 1,038 11.7 11
2007 12 11 71 853 12 9
2006 16 16 83 1,203 14.5 4
2005 14 14 102 1,402 13.7 7
2004 10 9 56 623 11.1 1
2003 16 16 101 1,377 13.6 8

Boldin has been to three Pro Bowls, was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2003 and reportedly has an incredible work ethic. His younger brother just signed a deal with the Lions too.

What isn't in question with Anquan Boldin is his talent. Despite being paired up with WR Larry Fitzgerald, it's clear that Anquan Boldin is not riding Fitzgerald's coat tails. In 2003, the year before Fitgerald was drafted by the Cardinals, as you can see Boldin had, ahem, 101 catches. Enough said.

Things started to go sour with Boldin and the Cardinals in August 2008. Essentially, to save you a lot of time and unecessary details, Boldin felt that he wasn't being compensated properly and wanted a new contract. The team and Boldin did that back and forth thing...."I want to remain a Cardinal"......"We have no intentions of trading Anquan Boldin"...etc.

Right now, it stands that Boldin isn't happy but would remain a Cardinal if need be. Sound familiar?

There were reports of the Ravens and Giants being interested in trading for Boldin before and during draft weekend but nothing materialized. Does this mean that Boldin isn't likely to be traded? Possibly. Here is what Revenge of the Birds had to say on March 12th:

I'd also almost guarantee that if Boldin still a Cardinal on April 27th (day after draft) that he'll be a Cardinal for the 2010 season. Player for player trades are extremely rare and trading him in July for picks in the 2010 draft does nothing to help this current squad.

Hawkwind makes a good point there. Boldin's trade possibilities are fewer now that the draft is over. Now, we'd be looking at 2010 draft picks for Boldin.

Speaking of those....

Trade compensation

What's the going rate for a receiver like Anquan Boldin? Initially, it was thought that the Cardinals would want a deal like the trade for WR Roy Williams to the Cowboys - a 1st, 3rd and 6th round pick - but considering that was one of the worst trades ever IMO, the true asking price was likely less.

And the Cardinals confirmed this "true" price right before the draft, now saying that Anquan Boldin was available for trade for as low as a second round pick plus some other form of compensation, maybe a later pick.

Now that the draft is over, is a 2010 second round pick on the table for Anquan Boldin? The odds of that are probably low, which in turn means the odds of Boldin actually being traded are low as well. Arizona, who just went to the Super Bowl last year, is still in championship mode and would require something to help them this year.

Unless the Cardinals are definitely keeping Boldin, they're going to have to accept draft picks from next year. Those are really the only bargaining chips left right now.

The Chiefs have two 2010 second round picks. But would the Cardinals bite on either one of those?

Trading within the family

Pretty much the only reason I'm writing this post is because Todd Haley knows Anquan Boldin from his time in Arizona. And this current Chiefs regime has shown a tendency to work with their former employers and colleagues to get deals done.

The Chiefs traded with Scott Pioli's former team the Patriots to get Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel. The Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta deal was worked out with Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff was New England's director of college scouting from 2003 to 2007, working directly with Scott Pioli in the personnel department.

Does this connection to his former team mean Haley is likely to trade for Boldin? Not at all. It's just another reason why the Chiefs may pursue Boldin.

Why haven't the Chiefs been in the mix?

As far as I can tell, the Ravens and Giants are the only two teams to have seriously considered trading for Anquan Boldin. The Kansas City Chiefs have been nowhere near this trade talk and for good reason - the Chiefs didn't have a second round pick this year to trade and the Cardinals needed just that.

Revenge of the Birds broke down the Boldin trade partner possibilities a few weeks ago and the Chiefs weren't even close to being in the building.

Now, with the draft out of the way, the Chiefs are now on an even playing field with other teams if Boldin is still being shopped.

Players and picks

I get the feeling from reading various articles that the Cardinals aren't balking on second round compensation for Boldin and that the "extra" compensation could come in the form of later draft picks or players.

With the Cardinals expected to release RB Edgerrin James, is Larry Johnson a possibility as a 5th-6th round equivalent compensation? Do the Cardinals see LJ as a one to two year solution at running back? Probably not.

Trade unlikely?

When you break it all down, it's unlikely, barring a huge blowup between Boldin and Arizona where he refuses to take the field, that Boldin leaves Arizona this season.

Perhaps next year during draft time we'll hear these same rumors fly up about a trade but for now, Boldin appears he'll remain in Arizona because there will be no suitable trade for him.

Day dreaming

So Boldin probably isn't going to be traded but a guy can dream, right? Check out his 2008 highlights below:

Lots of you have been talking about Anquan Boldin for some time now. Check out the related stories below and the search results on AP for Boldin's name.

Poll
Should the Chiefs be packaging draft picks and/or players to trade for Anquan Boldin right now?
Yes
796 votes
No
187 votes
Doesn't matter; he's not going to be traded this year
177 votes

1160 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 41 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Comments

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No.

Why trade picks for an aging WR when Plaxico can be had for nothing?

I do not snort the coke I only smoke...sensimilla.

by HIV 2 Elway on Apr 28, 2009 8:19 AM CDT reply actions  

Wouldn't

it be worth it to pay Plaxico just a fraction of a contract if the Giants have to pay his salary still? I understand he is not quite the character we need, but if he can produce at a high level, it would benefit us. He needs to prove he can be a good player still before he can go sign another big contract, why not with us?

by Primmtime on Apr 28, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think...

…most feel Plaxico will be lucky to get on a football field in 2009

by kcsno56 on Apr 28, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think I'd prefer Braylon Edwards

…if the compensation were similar, that is. He’s a few years younger & doesn’t have the injury history (if not for that I’d definitely prefer Boldin). I know he’s known for drops, but he also makes catches other receivers don’t.

by jmcgoblue on Apr 28, 2009 8:20 AM CDT reply actions  

why would the Chiefs need Boldin

They have Mark Bradley. Trust me, I never wanted to see this guy leave the Bears. theres a Reason Todd Haley endorsed him as Starting WR next to Bowe.

If Haley can make Marty Booker a pro bowler, imagine what he can do for Bradley.

Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!

by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 28, 2009 8:21 AM CDT reply actions  

reality is Anquan boldin would be a #1 reciever for majority of the teams and mark bradly would would a #3 for majority of the teams.
I would really like pioli to package some picks next year and get the guy but im not gonna get my hopes up Ive been disappointed with both free agency and the draft.

by cassel4prez on Apr 28, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

I like what Bradley did last year

the key word here is “did.” When he wasn’t doing, he was injured. That is my concern.

Paddy

by Patrick Allen on Apr 28, 2009 8:22 AM CDT reply actions  

Yeah, we had to deal with his injury issues

I think it’s a matter of having a coach that will whip him into shape and wanting him to add a little more mass to his frame.

Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!

by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 28, 2009 8:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

Sure lets trade

away a PB tight end and give more picks and almost twice as much money for a guy who has injury problems and numbers are any better. That makes sense?

by bringbacktheglory on Apr 28, 2009 8:54 AM CDT reply actions  

It makes sense in that Boldin has 7 less seasons in the league

And probably fits Haley’s offensive philosophies a little better.

In terms of giving up draft picks and a big contract though, it may be a little tough to swallow.

by RedNose on Apr 28, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

What injury problem the guy broke his face and still finished the season!

Look at it this way were pretty much trading Tony G and a 3rd from the rumors I hear for Boldin that a more than fair . There are 2 reason I think this trade will happen:

1 We got to have another WR. The Cards need the money and we need the WR.

2 The Bears and the Titans tried to contact the Cards but were unsuccessful. So that tells me since Haley has connections and Pioli likes secerts maybe we already have a trade in proccess.

by A true chiefs fan on Apr 28, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

Look at his whole NFL career

He has played 16,10,14,16,12,12. Face breaking aside, he has played 16 games only 2 of his 6 years in the NFL.
There is an injury problem i his history. He’s just as injury prome as Bradley.

The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw

by Texas Chief on Apr 28, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

He never had less than 56 receptions in a season though

On average you can expect 12-13 games of great football from him per season.

I’ll take that.

by RedNose on Apr 28, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

hope you don't have your own company

pay someone 9 mil to only work 75% of the time. You would be in the poor house fast.

by bringbacktheglory on Apr 28, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

I worked for a company a couple of years ago

We had a sales rep that sat on his ass 2 days a week (give or take), but the other 3 days he was the top earner by far.

So if he averages 7 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown per game, for 12 of 16 games. Yeah, I’ll take that.

Obviously I’d be hoping to get full seasons out of him though.

by RedNose on Apr 28, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

fix

his numbers aren’t any better

by bringbacktheglory on Apr 28, 2009 8:59 AM CDT reply actions  

i don't see boldin's injuries as an issue

the dude had FaceOff/Terminator surgery and was back 2 games later. He’s tough.

by airfly on Apr 28, 2009 9:09 AM CDT reply actions   1 recs

he has only played

2 full seasons. Is that worth almost twice what we paid Tony? Haley will get someone to step-up.

by bringbacktheglory on Apr 28, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe

Do the Chiefs have a lot of extra cap space that they need to use? Yes.
Did the Chiefs just get an extra second round pick for next year? Yes.
Does the Chiefs coach have a good working relationship with the Cardinals? Yes.
Would Anquan Boldin help our offense? Absolutely.

Do the Chiefs really NEED Boldin though? Let’s remember that we had the best passing offense in the league with Eddie Kennison and Sammie Parker at WR, so I think we have more important needs. Plus Boldin is already 28. If we are gonna trade a 2nd rounder for him, why not just keep it and draft a young talented receiver next year?

by Vince D on Apr 28, 2009 9:30 AM CDT reply actions  

I think Haley can develop a WR on his own.

No need to dish out draft picks for an established one.

I do not snort the coke I only smoke...sensimilla.

by HIV 2 Elway on Apr 28, 2009 9:36 AM CDT reply actions  

Can't hurt

The Chiefs have the cap space.

I say, IF they could get him for the 2nd rd pick from the TG trade, and not much more than that… I say go for it.

If not, I’m excited to see what the young WR can do with some good coaching.

by stagdsp on Apr 28, 2009 9:47 AM CDT reply actions  

It wouldn't........

Make any sense for us to release T.G and then sign A.Boldin! D.Bowe need’s to know he’s the man , so no more droppin the ball!

by CPT.Caveman on Apr 28, 2009 9:49 AM CDT reply actions  

I say

we stick what with what we have for the season. It may not be much, but we could use a 2nd round pick on a WR. I have a feeling we may (depending on if Vrabel and Thomas stay another year) focus on the offensive line/WR/RB areas.

If Thomas and/or Vrabel decide to leave or retire, we’ll probably be looking for their replacements in the draft. I hope this isn’t the case. I’d like our draft linebackers to learn from these guys.

by SupremeChief on Apr 28, 2009 9:52 AM CDT reply actions  

well

it would be sweet to get boldin, or edwards i dont know about giving up picks. i mean, even after the draft i still see oline as our biggest need, then linebacker, then wr. i mean a wr would be a big help to the offense but id rather wait till veteran cuts later in the year and get someone there. i mean we obviously no longer have a problem signing old players.

by Hendrix on Apr 28, 2009 9:56 AM CDT reply actions  

I dont care who the fuck we get as long as he is productive

we have the cash . WE might as well spend it.

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Apr 28, 2009 9:58 AM CDT reply actions  

Finally!

A great post about this “possible trade”. Thank you for being real about the situation. This was a really good breakdown of all aspects and the first I’ve seen of its caliber so far on here. While this while post is great, the last line still sums it up…“a guy can dream”. I really think WR is the second last position the Chiefs are thinking about. Just remember the patriots having really good offenses before Randy and Wes with the likes of……exactly (odd bunch outside Dion Branch who was overrated). This offense will be just fine. And, if by some act of God Boldin does land in KC… icing on the cake.

by bbrock05 on Apr 28, 2009 11:18 AM CDT reply actions  

stupid question

has Marvin Harrison signed w/ another team? I know he’s older and coming off an injury year but still what better guy to help our younger WRs.

When deep space exploration ramps up, it'll be the corporations that name everything, the IBM Stellar Sphere, the Microsoft Galaxy, Planet Starbucks.

I'd be fine with 9-7 or 10-6 and competiting for the divsion title

by madtheory on Apr 28, 2009 12:19 PM CDT reply actions  

so far

he’s still out there

by stagdsp on Apr 28, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

We do.....

have B.Engram for that, don’t forget about him!

by CPT.Caveman on Apr 29, 2009 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

Boldin

During what, at the time, was the biggest game in Cards history, with the biggest drive in their history unfolding on the field, Boldin was in Haley’s face on the sideline to complain about his playing time.

And when the Cards won the game, sending them to the Super Bowl, Boldin stormed out early rather than celebrate with his teammates.

Take what Pioli and Haley have said about the types of players they want, and the “right 53” and all that, then explain why they would even consider bringing Boldin to KC.

by SlipperyPete on Apr 28, 2009 2:04 PM CDT reply actions  

I think...

Boldin is a must if your looking to compete for a championship in this league. If you look at the superbowl teams lately they have always had multiple weapons at the WR position. I think there is only one blue chip WR prospect next year. These guys don’t grow on trees. If I were the Chiefs I would offer Arizona a 2010 2nd, 3rd and Mark Bradley.

by I_Bleed_Red. on Apr 28, 2009 2:16 PM CDT reply actions  

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