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Is Boldin Worth The Money?

What happened to the rumors, the trade and the moving truck that was going to take WR Anquan Boldin out of Arizona? This past weekend, Boldin was present at the Cardinals’ mini-camp but didn’t participate in practice, once again leading us to wonder where the Pro Bowl WR will end up in ’09. Matt Bowen

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What happened to the rumors, the trade and the moving truck that was going to take WR Anquan Boldin out of Arizona? This past weekend, Boldin was present at the Cardinals’ mini-camp but didn’t participate in practice, once again leading us to wonder where the Pro Bowl WR will end up in ’09.

The “hamstring”

Out in the desert, Boldin did something we never thought we’d see after an offseason rampant with rumors about trade demands and big-money contracts: He showed up — with a slight “catch.”

Yes, Boldin was at mini-camp, but he didn’t participate because of a “hamstring” injury.

Do we really need to go into this, or are we agreement that we know the source of his injury? I think we do, and it all leads to Boldin and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

This is a clear example of a last-ditch effort by the Boldin camp to get the money it thinks he deserves — and it looks pretty lame in my mind. Since Boldin is under contract, he has to at least appear at mini-camp or risk being fined. But by sitting out due to a mystery injury that suddenly surfaced, he’s showing the Cards that he still wants that big paycheck.

A paycheck that might not ever surface.

Does Boldin deserve a new deal?

Seriously, why do the Cards have to pay him anything?

We all know that’s why Boldin didn’t end up in Philly or Chicago or Tennessee or Baltimore this offseason. There are rumors that the Cards got offers on draft day, but they weren’t the first-round offers that were originally set in stone as the asking price for the Pro Bowler.

Why not? Because the price tag that comes along with Boldin was too high.

I wrote about his playmaking ability, the offensive weapon he is and the immediate production he could provide a team in desperate need of a wide receiver — and that’s something I still believe. But at what price?

It is no secret that teams were hesitant to make a first-round offer for a guy they would have to pay over $9 million a year for. He’s still better than any rookie from this year’s class or next year’s class or the year after that at the wide receiver position, but he’s also going to be 29 years old next season, and he has some injury concerns.

I would want him on my team, but that price tag is a little high, don’t you think?

The immediate future for Boldin

Is there a future outside of AZ for Boldin? Maybe, when his current contract runs out, or after next season if he holds out again, but the Cards really don’t have to do a thing — because he signed his name on a contract already.

This is a dilemma, and one that fellow NFP contributor Andrew Brandt and I will debate later in the week, but has Boldin outplayed his contract? That’s the question, folks. When do we acknowledge that the player is worth more than the money in his contract?

If you think he is, then yes, he can hold out and try to get a new deal. But how high can he go?

If you think he’s a $9-million-a-year player, then go ahead and argue away, because it looks like Boldin and Rosenhaus need your help. For maybe the first time, they aren’t holding a good hand against the dealer.

Boldin doesn’t have another “mandatory” team session to attend until training camp this summer. He can stay far away from the Cardinals’ facility and let his agent work the headlines, but the bottom line is pretty clear from where I sit today.

Sure, Rosenhaus will work the phones and work the Cardinals’ front office, but until we see a team actually make an offer — and put some money on the table — this story is dead.

From the looks of things, Boldin should be back scoring touchdowns in the league’s best offense in Arizona. But until that happens, we’ll watch the drama unfold — again — as he pushes, prods and tries to force the Cardinals to open their wallets.

But $9 million a year? I guess those “hamstring” injuries carry a lot of value these days.

Comments

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Romo4MVP
May 04, 2009
03:41 PM

Would love to have Boldin down in Big D, but even Jerry isn't going to pay him 9 mil a year...

Snyder on the other hand...maybe,

CW
May 04, 2009
03:49 PM

It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that this guy comes back from major surgery on his broken face, gaining all sort of accolades from the media and fans...and then fitters it all away with sulking during the playoffs and a holdout.

Jeesh.

Maybe he can trade him to Washington for Randal El, 2nd rounder, and a 4th rounder?

CW
May 04, 2009
03:50 PM

Gah!

*Randle El

Men of Troy
May 04, 2009
04:07 PM

I think he is worth the cash, but then again, no one in their right mind is willing to pay that type of cash...

I think he is out of luck.

Lance
May 04, 2009
04:16 PM

Ditto CW.

That's the "genius" of Drew Rosenhaus I guess - turn a very likable guy into a greedy player fans turn against. Is it Drew who makes them that way or are they that way and they hire him? Rosenhaus could make people hate Lassie...

Da Coach
May 04, 2009
04:19 PM

I heard the Bear called and offered a 2nd rounder on draft day and the Cards shut it down. Anyone else hear this?

You knew the Cards wouldn't give Boldin away for nothing, and now they get him again in '09.

Jason
May 04, 2009
04:20 PM

To me, it makes no sense to say that a guy like Bolden isn't worth $9 mil and a 1st Rd pick...How much is Stafford or Sanchez going to make? Probably close to $9 million/year and it also cost a 1st rd pick to select them, and I don't think that they could help their respective teams as much in the next 3 years to win a Super Bowl as Bolden could if he were on the Eagles, Bears or Colts. The Iggles helped themselves on the line, but I think they could've stood to be better served had they left Peters in Buffalo and made a play for Bolden. I also think that the Bears have a top tier QB, so break the bank and mortgage tomorrow for Bolden and one last shot at a Super Bowl...and with Peyton getting older and the Colts getting some relief via Harrison's release, maybe they should look at him....I wonder what Lombardi thinks...

JohnNdallas
May 04, 2009
04:22 PM

From where I'm sitting, it's extremely hard to take sides when we're talking about a guy who makes Millions wanting even more from an owner of a Billion dollar business!

Millionaires vs Millionaires! Get F'n REAL!!

What happened to both side honoring the contract that both parties agree too.

Friggin Lawyers! And Greedy owners! If it weren't for Lawyers yapin in a players ear and owners trying to screw players at every turn, This type of crap wouldn't be necessary. A player would be expected to play out his contract, and when a contract has the word guaranteed in it, it would mean guaranteed. If a guy signs a 6 year deal for 35 million, he would have to play 6 yrs and paid 35 mil. Their would be no gray area. Both side bound!!

imho.

Feverdog
May 04, 2009
04:26 PM

He's not worth Fitzgerald money. Fitz stil produces without Q last year and in years prior. Granted we don't know if he can produce without Fitz opposite him because Fitz is durable. He's a great # 2 WR but would only be an above average # 1. I would take the best offer on the table and be done with him. They already have Breaston with Doucet waiting to be # 3. He's not even in top 10 in my opinion, and apparently Arizona agrees.

Northwoods Tom
May 04, 2009
04:30 PM

Jason,

Stafford and Sanchez are both QBs, so you really can't compare them to Q... Plus, they are in their early 20's and haven't been hurt yet.

dan
May 04, 2009
05:18 PM

"Rosenhaus could make us hate Lassie"

HAHA!

"Look, Lassie remains excited at the opportunity to tell the sherriff that Timmy's stuck in the abandoned mine shaft, but we've got to recognize her realistic market value in this town. Who else can provide this unique service? So, she either gets 3 milk bones (TM) and a new chew-toy or we're going to have to entertain offers to help out the Hanrahan boy on the other side of town instead. Lassie loves her job, but recognizes that this is also a business."

John W
May 04, 2009
05:41 PM

What are other WRs making in salary and how does Boldin compare to them?

Years ago Eric Dickerson made a case for a raise because he was clearly the best RB in the league and he had all numbers to prove it.

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