NFL Rumors: New Orleans Saints pursuing Anquan Boldin
By John Buhler
The New Orleans Saints are reportedly looking at signing veteran free agent wide receiver Anquan Boldin before the start of 2016 NFL training camp.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints are targeting free agent wide receiver Anquan Boldin as an offseason acquisition. Rapoport adds that Boldin has a strong working relationship with former San Francisco 49ers wide receivers coach John Morton, now with the Saints.
On FA WR Anquan Boldin: Source said #Saints are making the strongest push to sign him & he loves ex-#49ers, now NO's, WR coach John Morton
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2016
Boldin has starred for three NFL franchises (Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, 49ers) since going to Arizona at No. 54 in the 2003 NFL Draft out of Florida State University. He is a three-time Pro Bowler in his 13-year NFL career. Boldin was 2015’s Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient.
The Saints are looking to find a veteran replacement for franchise leading receiver Marques Colston, who New Orleans cut before 2016 NFL free agency began back in the spring. Boldin would fill that role well for the Saints, as a probable Pro Football Hall of Famer when he does call it a career.
The 13-year NFL veteran will play the 2016 NFL season at age 36. He has 1,009 career receptions for 13,195 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns, as one of the best possession receivers of his era. Boldin was also a member of the 2012 Ravens that went on to win Super Bowl XLVII over San Francisco at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
New Orleans still doesn’t have hardly any cap space, a projected $385,484 after their top 51 players have been signed, including their 2016 NFL Draft class. If Boldin wants to play for Morton again, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis will have to either offer him next to nothing or make a cut or two to his expensive 2016 NFL roster.
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