Is Anquan Boldin Worth A Third Round Pick?

March 4th, 2010

Word came last night from Michael Lombardi, of the NationalFootballPost.com, during a guest appearance on the NFL Network’s Total “Access Show” (fast forward to the 2:33 mark of this video), that disgruntled yet supremely talented Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin can be had for a third round pick.

On face value, this is a steal. Now Joe would be more inclined to trade a future third round pick given how deep this draft is, but that still would be a steal.

Then Joe learned, again through Lombardi, that for the trade to be consummated, Boldin would have to be signed to a lucrative, hefty contract in order to pacify him.

Then there’s the thing about his age and health. He will be 30 this fall. Increasingly, he is getting dinged up. Combine a player on the wrong side of 30 with increasing injuries and throw in a big contract, that’s scary territory.

Remember, injuries is a big part of why Antonio Bryant was dispatched.

Lord knows the Bucs need a receiver. Now, almost as bad as a defensive tackle or a safety to play in place of Sabby the Goat. But would acquiring Boldin be too much of a risk?

21 Responses to “Is Anquan Boldin Worth A Third Round Pick?”

  1. LaughingCat Says:

    I’d hate tosay the Bucs shold just do something. . . but the BUCS SHOULD JUST DO SOMETHING!

  2. Jeff Says:

    I would still try to package something for a 25 yr old Brandon Marshall. You have to look at your picks and say is this guy better then what we could draft. Brandon Marshall is proven and is by far better.

  3. AllMaddenMonkey Says:

    A little better than AB, gets injured more and wants more money as well. Not the deal for us. Marshall would have been perfect…

    If we pick up a FA WR, it has to be a 1 year deal kind of thing while we develop a rookie or wait for next years stock.

  4. Ian Says:

    If the Bucs were a veteran playoff team who needed to “get over the hump”, then yes he’s worth a 3rd round pick. However this is a rebuilding team, so a 30 year old isn’t really going to help much. He’ll have almost no impact in wins/losses, and be gone in two years.

  5. Chris Says:

    Not for nothing Joe but if the buc’s were to do something like this be it Bolden or someone else wouldn’t the buc’s be better served using this year third round pick. First, this is a deep draft meaning better talent will be available in later rounds. Next years draft may not be as deep where a third round might help. And second, they have ten picks. I don’t think they have ten picks next year yet. Just questioning.

  6. Tommy Boy Says:

    Rookie’s rarely ever make a year one impact. Freeman needs a legit #1 WR. We need to get this done! Joe, a bigger risk for the Bucs would be to go into the season with a bunch of unprovens. Especially when the HC and GM need solid production from the QB to get contract extensions. We’d be fools to
    pass this up!

  7. Joe Says:

    Tommy Boy:

    To use a word Peter King uttered about Raheem the Dream, Joe is “dubious” about his future, barring a playoff run that we all know is not going to happen.

    Joe would be shocked if Mark Dominik’s contract is not extended, barring a total collapse. General managers generally are given five years to make their mark.

  8. bucfanjeff Says:

    I would rather have Marshall, but a 3rd next year and a descent contract extension…I’d do it.

  9. Radio Mushmouth Says:

    Yes it’s worth the risk .

    Who cares if he wants a big contract ….it’s the Glazers money not ours, and thier is no salary cap ( and if there is a new cap in the new CBA , we are going to be so far under it it’s pathtic)

  10. Eric Says:

    I would definately make the trade, over 1000 yards in five of seven seasons.

    Marshall would be better.

    Can’t see the bucs doing this, after all they could have re-signed AB and not had to give up a draft pick. Boldin is the same age, although a much more consistent player.

  11. Matt Says:

    A third for Boldin would be a steal.

  12. Marlow Says:

    Signing Bolden does not go along with the “plan” the Bucs say they are using to build this team. Note he is only averaging 12-13 games per season over the past 3 years.

  13. Marlow Says:

    According to Pro Sports Daily, “The team (Denver) designated receiver Brandon Marshall as a first-round restricted free agent.”

  14. Cody Says:

    I’m so sick of hearing about how such and such a player doesn’t fit “the plan”. Maybe I’m wrong, but shouldn’t “the plan” include winning games sooner rather than later? Shouldn’t “the plan” include giving our young “franchise” QB the best opportunity to succeed?
    There is no 3rd round WR this year that is going to give you the production in his first 2 years that Anquan Boldin can give you in that same time frame. It’s impossible to put a money and draft pick value on what having a proven guy like Boldin could do for Freeman.

  15. Eric Says:

    heres a stupid question, the fact that the Broncos tendered/designated Marshall, does that mean they can’t trade him?

  16. Joe Says:

    Eric:

    Question will be answered in a post shortly.

  17. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    There is no doubt Boldin is quite a risk, but eventually we have to take some risks. Last year we took a chance with Winslow, and (so far) that has worked out well. Regardless of what receivers we draft, we must upgrade our WR’s by signing a proven veteran. Unless we are going after Marshall (which I still highly doubt), he’s the next best option. Even if he only gives us a couple years, that is 2 years for Freeman to mature and become a franchise QB. It also gives us 2 years for the rest of our receivers to mature, since rarely does a rookie WR have a huge impact.

  18. Eric S Says:

    I like Boldin. I think he would be a good pickup. Technically he’s still 29. He won’t be 30 until October. And Marshall will be turning 26 in a couple of weeks. So they are about 3 1/2 years apart. Both Marshall and Boldin will want big contracts. Boldin is still signed for this year, so really you don’t have to give a big contract until next season. While Marshall’s contract is up now. You are probably have to pay a bit more for Marshall because he is younger.

    Agree with Cody 100%. The plan should be to win now. Good teams always have a nice mixture of veterans and younger players. It would be great to have a productive receiver out there for Freeman to throw to whether it be Boldin or Marshall.

  19. Madman Says:

    Marshall is the better player, the younger player, and the more durable player. Plus, Marshall is used to being the #1, Boldin isn’t.

    I’d give a 2 for Marshall before I gave a 3 for Boldin.

  20. Radio Mushmouth Says:

    30 isn’t even that old.

    We got Keenan McCardell at 35 and got two solid years and a superbowl out of him , much better than any our of current WR’s are capable of.

    My god , since when did 30 years old make you a grandpa ??

  21. BigMacAttack Says:

    Why not go after Boldin & Marshall, a 2 & a 3. If you can get them both, holy shit, weapons out the ass for young Josh. Add K2 & Stroughter, and your receiving corps is solid. Draft Okung at 3 to sew up the O line. You already have 3 good RB’s. Draft Rolle in round 2. Pick up a CB in the 4’th round, and go from there. If you wait until next year for a D tackle, at least you’ll have all the other bases covered. Piece of cake. Where’s my check?