Fansided

Top five best available NFL free agents

By John Buhler

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 22 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs with the ball after making a catch against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs with the ball after making a catch against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi /

4. player. 42. . Wide Receiver. San Francisco 49ers. Anquan Boldin

After 13 stellar years in the NFL with three different teams (Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers), is it time to start giving wide receiver Anquan Boldin’s Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy serious consideration?

While Boldin has only made three trips to the Pro Bowl, he was 2003’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, won the 2015 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and was a part of the 2012 Super Bowl Champion Ravens.

Boldin has 1,009 career receptions for 13,195 yards and 74 touchdowns. While he may lack the elusiveness he showed on the Cardinals after coming out of Florida State University, Boldin still has tremendous value as one of the best possession receivers of the last decade-plus.

He could still be a reliable third receiving option for a championship caliber team. Boldin has seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his career and is coming off a respectable 2015 season with the 49ers where he hauled in 69 catches for 789 yards and four touchdowns.

If Boldin feels he has another year or two left in the tank, he could be at worst a solid mid-season acquisition for a playoff caliber team in either conference. He’ll be a fantastic locker room presence and a great teacher wherever he ends up signing this offseason.

Next: 3. Dwight Freeney.

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