Anquan Boldin was once the frontrunner for the Arizona Cardinals receiving corps. After those seven seasons with the Cardinals, which included a trip to Super Bowl XLIII, Boldin has been a bit of a journeyman in the NFL. Boldin has played for four different NFL teams in his career, but added a fifth Monday in signing with the Buffalo Bills.
It's official. Anquan Boldin is your newest Buffalo Bills WR! pic.twitter.com/qeCuezT9SR
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 7, 2017
Anquan Boldin Signs With Buffalo Bills
One thing we learned about the Buffalo Bills last season is that there isn’t much to the receiving corps after Sammy Watkins. Watkins suffered a foot injury last season that cost him eight games and the Bills passing game regressed as a result. Buffalo selected Zay Jones in the second round of the 2017 draft but still needed a reliable starter.
Boldin will enter his 15th season in the NFL with Buffalo on a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, his contract with the team is for $2.75 million but also contains an additional $1.25 million in incentives.
Boldin has had 14 consecutive seasons with at least 55 catches and seven 1,000 yard seasons. While his production will likely not be at that level with the Bills, he still brings something special to the offense.
Ideally, Boldin will play outside opposite of Watkins while Jones handles the slot. The veteran can use his size and hands to handle mid-range routes while Watkins and Jones use their speed to take the top off opposing defenses. The greatest asset Boldin brings to the Bills is his 70 percent catch rate.
Tyrod Taylor should feel comfortable with his latest weapon as the two of them played together in Baltimore. During the Ravens 2012 Super Bowl championship run, Boldin had 65 receptions for 921 yards and four touchdowns. Boldin also caught six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown during the Super Bowl victory.
The Bills 2017 preseason begins on Thursday when they welcome the Minnesota Vikings to town. Kickoff from New Era Field takes place at 7 PM ET.
