Arizona Cardinals in Free Agency
I love to think that the Arizona Cardinals are a premier organization that has plenty intrigue, and I would love to delve in deep into the possible targets that would (and should) consider Arizona their next destination. We as fans have the dreadful period between the end of the season and the free agency start, and even after the start of free agency, it sometimes takes Steve Keim a little bit of time to get something done. That is one of the best qualities of Steve Keim, he will not settle or let the free agent target dictate how talks will turn out.
These are pieces that would fit into what the Cardinals really like to do, offensively, defensively, and special teams. I don’t want fans to think of these targets as “cheap” targets, but rather what is in the teams budget. The Cardinals are estimated between $17 million and $23 million, meaning the Cardinals have a little bit of space to work with, and could be major players in the free agency game. So let’s get this game going.
Anquan Boldin – WR
Previous Team: San Francisco 49ers
Years Experienced: 14 Years
6-1, 220 Pounds
Something just intrigues me about previous Arizona Cardinals who could eventually become a Hall of Fame candidate. At one time, the combo of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald lit up the football world, and the combo was able to carry the team through a tough Super Bowl run fueled by attitude and belief. The Cardinals were once again on one of those runs in 2015, and seemed like only a few pieces away from the promise land. For those remember, Anquan was determined to be the number one receiver on another team, with Larry Fitzgerald already established. Now, both Fitz and Boldin are in the back-end of their careers, and like The Rolling Stones, are hoping for a chance to win one final trophy before they ride off into the sunset.
Boldin is no longer the featured target on any offense, he could see plenty of balls thrown his way (if given a job), and seems to still have the goods. He is highly effective after spending the previous year on the 28th-worse offense in the league, and is probably going to avoid playing on a losing team. Why the Cardinals? I feel like the Boldin-Cardinals marriage is something of a spectacle, something that didn’t work when they were in contract talks, but now both sides have aged and could possibly see the benefits in the option.
The Cardinals already have Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown, J.J. Nelson, and Jaron Brown (depending on free agency). Why the heck do the Cardinals need so many receivers? It’s sometimes very difficult to keep all players healthy, especially when John Brown and J.J. Nelson were last weighed in at under 180 pounds, so maybe a stable of receivers would help. Also imagine being able to send wave after wave of receivers at the tired Richard Sherman and whoever the Seahawks have back there. The Cardinals would continue the high velocity offense from last year, and would be just as dangerous.
Estimated contract: 2 Year, $3.4 million
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