Should the New York Jets Target Anquan Boldin in Free Agency?

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) celebrates a play against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This possibility is still in the “hypothetical” phase, but it is still out there.

We all know about the team friendly contract that Joe Flacco signed with the Ravens recently. 6 years $120.6 million with $52 million guaranteed! You might ask how this contract is team friendly? I mean, the contract is to make Flacco the highest paid player in the history of the sport, how does it help??

Well, the contract is back-loaded. It frees up more money in the front end of the contract, which should allow the Ravens more freedom to make other moves. So, Ozzie Newsome and company have turned their attention to Anquan Boldin, among other guys. According to a couple of published reports this week, the Ravens have come to Boldin to ask him about taking a pay cut to help with the salary cap.

Boldin’s response?  No.  According to the Baltimore Sun newspaper, Boldin is likely going to be released if he doesn’t accept a re-working of his contract.  Anquan is preparing to become an unrestricted free agent, according to the linked up reports, per above.

The question this morning, is ‘Should the Jets Target Anquan Boldin in Free Agency?’

Let’s talk about it.

He has certainly been a consistent receiver throughout his career, take a look:

Boldin has averaged over 77 receptions per season, which is basically the model of consistency.  The Jets need receivers that can be counted on, and Anquan Boldin is just that type of wide receiver.  His 22 receptions for 380 yards and 4 TDs marked a marvelous step up in production when the chips were down.

There is no question about Boldin’s abilities, and his big game abilities, even 10 years into his career.

Rumors are floating around the Jets’ mainstream media that the Jets are not going to bring back fan favorite wide receiver Braylon Edwards.  This, to me, would be a mistake, but if it were to happen, the Jets would be “hiring” at the wide receiver position.

The idea has to cross their mind, doesn’t it?

We will talk more on the next page.

Sep 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets player Santonio Holmes (10) is helped off the field after an injury against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

The pending return of this guy(left), Santonio Holmes, has to play a part in the decision making as well. If you remember, we talked to a prominent New York foot doctor ab0ut the injury that Holmes suffered.

Take a look at this quote from the doctor about the potential fallout from the injury:

Any Lisfranc’s injury can lead to chronic foot pain, and ultimately arthritis of the midfoot. Unstable injuries carry the worst prognosis – with or without surgery. Because there is such a high risk for the development of arthritis with some severe injuries, I sometimes perform more drastic reconstructive procedures to stiffen up the midfoot.

Here you have it, right from the mouth of a foot doctor. There is a very realistic chance that Santonio Holmes will not be the same again. We could be looking at a guy that is not worth number one status anymore. The Jets just might have to start thinking about other options.

And reliability? Anquan Boldin is Mr. Reliability. Consider this: in 2012 Anquan Boldin led the league with the lowest percentage of dropped passes with a 2.99% (per Pro Football Focus).  Stephen Hill, on the other hand, dropped 22.22% of the passes thrown his way.  A consistent mentor with great hands would do wonders for Stephen Hill’s development.

The problem with this scenario is the same one that the Ravens face, the money.  Santonio Holmes, as we all know, carries a huge number against the salary cap, $12.5 million to be exact.  Any plan that would involve the Jets bringing Boldin to town would have to involve releasing Santonio Holmes.  The dead money to the Jets is $11.25 million if Holmes is released.  In order to afford a guy like Boldin, the Jets would need to get rid of Santonio Holmes, and likely find someone to pick up a portion of that dead money.

Anquan Boldin actually would be an excellent fit for the Jets.  He catches everything thrown his way, and performs well in big games.  If, and it is still not definite, he is released, it would be in the Jets’ best interest to at least talk about it.  However, the money may just be far too prohibitive for the Jets to make that happen.

Thank Tanny everyone!