The offseason between the start of free agency and the draft is a time for wild speculation and rumors.  Sometimes the rumors are based on nothing but optimistic guess work on the part of over zealous fans.  Other times, they are actually based on valid information and common sense.  And just when you think things should be winding down, T.O. gets cut, Cutler is looking for a trade, and JT is stirring the pot with comments like "it's not up to me".

But Anquan Boldin?  I thought we had started out months ago with speculation, and ended up at "not realistic".  However, I have lately been picking up on tidbits from the Cardinals' camp that Boldin won't be happy without a new contract, which is unlikely to happen because of cap space. 

Additionally, Rosenhaus (the agent everyone loves to hate) sent out a league-wide memo in February stating that Boldin was available for trade, but that it ouwld likely take 4 draft picks or so, including a 1st, based on the Roy Williams trade to Dallas.  That deal cost the Cowboys a first-, third-, and sixth-round pick in this April’s draft, and a seventh-round pick in 2010.  Not terrible when you consider only one was a first day pick.  Rosenhaus also stated:

"Anquan has made it very clear that he is interested in a trade," the agent said. "Anquan has stated his intentions at the Pro Bowl. Now that the season is over he has made it very clear — forget what I have to say — that he is interested in being traded. So you know, I don’t know how clear cut it can get."

But anyone following this storyline knows that this is old news and things have appeared to quiet down a bit on the Q front.  Until now.

Boldin, on a Palm Beach radio show, said he would love to play for the Dolphins.

"I’m a Florida guy, always will be a Florida guy at heart," Boldin said, confirming he still wants out of Arizona. "If it happens, I’ll definitely be grateful."

Now, it still appears unlikely, mostly due to the fact that the Triad don't seem to like giving up high draft picks, and that even if they did, they would still have to give Boldin a new contract.  But I can't help but wonder whether Boldin's desire to play here would get us any sort of "home town discount"?  It's no question that Boldin fits the Triad's mold for a player in general, and a WR specifically... big, tough, hard working, reliable.  He can block, goes across the middle, gets yards after the catch... and he is young and proven.  As much as we have our own "man-crushes" on draft players, WRs specifically have a higher than average failure rate in the NFL, so there is no guarantee that even a first round pick would pan out.  And as far as the cost, our first round pick is likely to cost in the neighborhood of 5 yrs, 14 mil, 9 mil guaranteed.  So you have to spend that much anyway... how much more would it take to get Q?  He is making about 5.5 mil / yr. right now, if you prorate the bonuses.  He got 10 mil guaranteed, but is only making 2.75 mil this year and 3 mil in 2010.  I'm going to guess that we might be able to work something out in the range of a 4 yr, 35 mil contract with 11 mil guaranteed and annual salary ranging from 5 - 7mil per year.  This is probably a bit low for what he might be able to work out elsewhere, but I am factoring in the discount, and it is certainly more than he's making now.

And there is this to consider:  The Cardinals only own him through 2010.  At best, they could force him to honor his contract, have to deal with an unhappy player, and all the while his trade value would be diminishing the closer he gets to free agency.  And that is beginning to look unlikely anyway, with Rosenhaus starting to stir up trouble.

So what do you think?  I see all of the excitement around the WRs in this draft, but how would you feel about taking Boldin with our 1st rounder, and continuing to develop the guys like London and Armstrong that we already have on our roster?  After all, it would give us stability at the position for several years, at least, and still allow us to grab some young talent in the next few drafts.

And just to remind you of his skills, take a look at this YouTube video of Boldin running through defenders.  Maybe he could teach that to Ginn?