"Not long ago, it was receiver Anquan Boldin's locker that reporters surrounded to ask their State of the Cardinals questions. It was his picture that team management pointed to and told scouts, "We need more players like this."

It was his contract extension that once was hailed as a new era for a franchise that once almost held the doors open as star players departed.

Four years ago, after Boldin signed an extension, a time such as this seemed impossible. But as the Cardinals enter the playoffs Sunday, each game could be Boldin's last with the team.

The 2010 season is the final year of his contract. After three years of seeking an extension, it's more likely that Boldin will be traded than re-signed this off-season.

"Do I worry about it? No," Boldin said. "Whatever happens, happens. I'll be all right either way, if something happens here or if it doesn't."

If that's the case, it didn't used to be. In the summer of 2008, Boldin ripped team management for reneging on what he said was a promise to restructure his contract, which was signed as training camp started in 2005.

He vowed never to re-sign with the team and later added that his relationship with coach Ken Whisenhunt had soured to the point that Boldin didn't talk to the coach.

The vitriol didn't subside quickly. Boldin got into a sideline spat with then-offensive coordinator Todd Haley during the NFC title game and didn't stick around to celebrate with teammates.

In the weeks before the draft, the club announced it was willing to listen to offers for Boldin but said a suitable one never was made. Boldin questioned the team's sincerity and sat out mandatory minicamp, claiming a hamstring injury.

But over the summer, Boldin seemed to soften. He fired agent Drew Rosenhaus and hired Tom Condon who, unlike Rosenhaus, has declined to talk publicly about Boldin's contract.

At the start of training camp, Boldin vowed that nothing would take away from his enjoyment of the 2009 season, leaving listeners to infer that's exactly what he did in 2008.

"I haven't changed courses on that," he said. "I'm still going to enjoy life, no matter what.""