Anquan Boldin News: Pro Sports Daily

Hester expects to play; Boldin less certain

Comment

November 7

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Bears won't be without their top wide receiver, and the Arizona Cardinals just might have their No. 2 guy after all Sunday at Soldier Field. Devin Hester returned to practice for the first time this week on Friday with his sprained right ankle and participated in portions of practice. He looked fine running around, and although he's listed as questionable on the injury report, he's expected to start. The Cardinals also got wide receiver Anquan Boldin back on the field Friday in a limited capacity, and he also is questionable. Boldin suffered a high ankle sprain on Oct. 11 and was knocked out of last Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers. He has vowed to play, and the Bears are ..."

Boldin's days with Cards are short

Comment

November 5

East Valley Tribune

columnist Scott Bordow

"Anquan Boldin knows only one way to play football: Head-on and all out. The day he ducks a defender or goes out of bounds to avoid a hit is the day he'll leave the game. "I'd be cheating my talent and myself," Boldin said Wednesday. "That's not me." Boldin is a warrior. It's what first endeared him to Cardinals fans. He'd bounce off one defender, run over the next and when he stood up, invariably signaling for a first down, they'd jump to their feet and celebrate his physicality. But the body pays a price for all those collisions, and these days it's not Boldin's attitude that is being talked about, but his availability. The Cardinals don't know if he'll play against the Chicago Bears ..."

Cards should bench Boldin

Comment

November 4

Arizona Republic

columnist Kent Somers

"Over the past seven seasons, I've seen every one of Anquan Boldin's 537 receptions and written thousands of words about him. I was in Detroit in 2003 for his spectacular NFL debut. I was in Glendale last week when he passed Larry Centers to become the franchise's all-time leader in receptions. I've written about his three Pro Bowl selections, his contract squabbles and his trade demands. But I've never typed these words about him: Bench him. Not because Boldin isn't producing but because he can't. A sprained right ankle has made him less than ordinary in recent weeks, and it's not likely to improve until Boldin takes time off. Telling Boldin to sit out Sunday's game in Chicago won't be ..."

Boldin sets franchise catches mark, aggravates right ankle sprain

Comment

November 2

Arizona Republic

"Anquan Boldin has caught more passes than anyone in Cardinals history. But no one can say for sure when he'll have the opportunity to add to his total. Boldin aggravated a right-ankle sprain in the third quarter Sunday on the 537th reception of his career, an 8-yard gain. He hobbled off the field and didn't return. Boldin passed fullback Larry Centers, who had 535 receptions. Boldin has played the past two games despite the sprain, but his availability for Sunday's game at Chicago is in question. "The one issue we had going into the game was if he took a shot on that ankle," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "As low of probability of that happening, it did happen. It's hard when you lose him in ..."

Boldin gets back on Cardinals practice field

Comment

October 23

Arizona Republic

"Receiver Anquan Boldin participated in practice Friday for the first time this week, and coach Ken Whisenhunt said he was encouraged by Boldin's recovery from a sprained ankle. Boldin is pleased with his recovery, too. "Every day, it's getting better," he said. "No setbacks yet." The official injury report hasn't been released yet, but I would guess Boldin will be listed as questionable."

Cards' Boldin a 'game-time decision'

Comment

October 22

Arizona Republic

"Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin didn't practice Wednesday because of a sprained ankle, and his status for Sunday night's game against the Giants won't likely be determined until that day. "It's up in the air right now," Boldin said. "It probably will be a game-time decision." Boldin suffered the sprained right ankle in the first half last Sunday against Seattle and played a minimal amount in the second half. Boldin said there hasn't been much swelling and he underwent a rigorous rehabilitation session during practice. If Boldin can't play, Steve Breaston would start with Jerheme Urban moving up to the No. 3 receiver role. Tight end Stephen Spach, who missed last week's game with a ..."

Cardinals' Boldin to undergo tests on ankle

Comment

October 19

Arizona Republic

"Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin will undergo more tests today on his sprained right ankle, and his status for Sunday's game against the Giants is unknown, coach Ken Whisenhunt said. Boldin suffered the injury in the first half and played a limited amount in the final two quarters. X-rays taken at the stadium revealed no breaks, and the Cardinals will know more about his status as the week progresses, Whisenhunt said."

Boldin questionable for Sunday

Comment

September 18

Arizona Republic

"Outside linebacker Chike Okeafor (shoulder) practiced Friday for the first time this week and is questionable for Sunday's game. Okeafor suffered a shoulder injury last week and has had some swelling that limited his range of motion. He's improved as the week has progress, coach Ken Whisenhunt said. Receivers Anquan Boldin (hamstring) and Steve Breaton (knee) were limited in practice and are questionable. Whisenhunt seems optimistic both will play. Receiver Early Doucet (ribs) also is listed as questionable."

Saga casting Boldin in dimmer light

Comment

September 13

Arizona Republic

"Sadly, most of us no longer care about Anquan Boldin's mood, his contract or why he's wearing a Dodgers cap inside Chase Field. His hamstrings are another story. Bring up the H-word, and my ears burn. It reminds me of the uneasiness that accompanied most of last year's playoff run. Did Q practice? Will he play? Can the Cardinals win without him? This week, the unfortunate answers are (1) not really; (2) not certain; and (3) they better, lest they drive the bandwagon into a ditch. In Arizona, the H-word bothers everybody. It makes coaches fib to the media and play loose with the injury report. It tweaks the emotions of the fan base, stressing out spectators who need their mid-week rest. It ..."

Boldin sits out Cardinals practice

Comment

September 9

Arizona Republic

"Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin was not practicing Wednesday with the Cardinals. Boldin, who is nursing a hamstring injury, was seen doing some stretching but was not taking part in any drills."

Cards WR Boldin not practicing today

Comment

September 7

Arizona Republic

"Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is not practicing today, nursing a sore right hamstring. Boldin did not play the final two preseason games because of the injury. The Cardinals are preparing for the opener Sunday at home against the San Francisco 49ers."

Cards' Boldin has hamstring injury

Comment

August 26

Arizona Republic

"Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin suffered a strained right hamstring in Tuesday's practice and missed Wednesday's workout. Coach Ken Whisenhunt called it a tweak and wouldn't rule Boldin out of Friday's preseason game against the Packers. He did, however, say the Cardinals would be cautious in dealing with Boldin's injury. That means Boldin probably won't play. Steve Breaston, the No. 3 receiver, isn't expected to play because of a knee injury. Jerheme Urban would start along with Larry Fitzgerald, with Lance Long, Early Doucet, Sean Morey and Onrea Jones getting more playing time."

Boldin focusing on football, not contract

Comment

July 31

East Valley Tribune

"It's easy to read Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin. When he's content - truly content - he's loud and boisterous and his laughter fills the locker room. When he's upset, his smile disappears and his responses are clipped and perfunctory. So it was fairly simple to get a read on Boldin's mood Thursday after the Cardinals finished their conditioning drill at Northern Arizona University. He's still not happy the organization has failed to renegotiate his contract. He's still not particularly close to coach Ken Whisenhunt. And he wouldn't shed any tears if he was traded tomorrow. But unlike last July, when Boldin accused the organization of lying to him and publicly criticized Whisenhunt, ..."

Boldin leaves contract talk to agent

Comment

July 31

Arizona Republic

"Storm clouds gathered as the Cardinals conducted their annual conditioning run Thursday, but unlike last year, they were not man made. A year ago after the same run, receiver Anquan Boldin pelted the organization with criticism for not addressing his contract situation, vowing never to re-sign with the team. Boldin likely still has issues with his contract, but he wasn't sharing them with the media Thursday. He deflected questions about his contract status and previous trade demands, saying he's intent on enjoying the season. "How I feel ain't going to change a thing," he said when asked if he still thought the Cardinals had deceived him. "So it don't make no sense to sit here and harp ..."

Cards-Boldin talks still weeks away

Comment

July 23

Arizona Republic

"The Cardinals are at least several weeks away from having substantive talks with the agent for receiver Anquan Boldin about a contract extension, General Manager Rod Graves said. Graves declined to discuss specifics, but it's known he and Tom Condon, Boldin's new agent, had preliminary talks this spring. Graves traditionally has refrained from negotiating contract extensions until the regular season is well under way. By doing that, he can see the makeup of the final roster and take care of personnel moves necessitated by injuries."

Boldin hires Condon as agent

Comment

June 2

Arizona Republic

"Receiver Anquan Boldin has hired Tom Condon as his agent, replacing Drew Rosenhaus, who was fired last week. Condon's hiring was expected, and Graves acknowledged Monday that Condon called recently to inform him of the change. The two hope to have a meeting some time this month. Boldin is seeking a restructuring of his present contract, which has two years remaining. Rosenhaus and the Cardinals made no progress in talks over the past two years, prompting the decision by Boldin to change representation. Boldin has not attended the team's voluntary practices and has been unavailable for comment. Condon did not return a message. Condon has represented several Cardinals over the years, ..."

New Agent Likely For Boldin

Comment

May 29

New York Post

"If receiver Anquan Boldin hires Tom Condon as his new agent -- that's where Boldin reportedly is leaning -- might the Giants have an edge if Boldin is traded, considering Condon also represents Eli Manning? No one knows, but there's no harm in speculating. Boldin last week fired Drew Rosenhaus and soon will hire his fourth different agent since he was drafted in 2003. Boldin is not satisfied with his contract with the Cardinals -- he has $5.75 million owed him the next two years -- and through Rosenhaus has sought a mega-deal or a trade. There's been no progress, which is why Rosenhaus is gone and Condon could soon represent Boldin. Boldin continues to be a no-show at offseason workouts. ..."

Boldin still a no-show at workouts

Comment

May 28

Arizona Republic

"When news broke that receiver Anquan Boldin had dismissed agent Drew Rosenhaus and was seeking new representation, Cardinals fans hoped it would lead to a breakthrough. It might be wishful thinking. Boldin, who has been at odds with the team regarding his contract and had expressed a desire to be traded, did not attend Wednesday's voluntary organized team activities at the club's Tempe training facility, and coach Ken Whisenhunt said it was unclear whether anything has changed. "I know from our perspective . . . nothing has changed," Whisenhunt said. "We're a much better football team with Anquan than we are without him, and we have a high regard for him. So nothing has changed from that ..."

Giant Step? Boldin Fires His Agent

Comment

May 27

New York Post

"The Anquan Boldin-to-the-Giants murmurs that were clearly audible a few months ago could increase in volume with yesterday's news that Boldin -- frustrated he hasn't received a new contract or been traded from the Cardinals -- will fire his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. The change in Boldin's representation, first reported on ESPN.com, is no doubt intended to shake things up around a 28-year old receiver who has two years left on the $22.25 million deal he signed in 2005. Once the Cardinals in 2008 shelled out $10 million a year for Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin sought to wet his beak and wanted his contract ripped up and inflated to match or come close to Fitzgerald's. The Cardinals are unwilling to ..."

Boldin plans to change agents

Comment

May 26

ESPN.com

"Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin has informed agent Drew Rosenhaus, the Arizona Cardinals and the NFL Players Association of his plans to fire Rosenhaus amid stalled attempts to force a trade or a new contract. Rosenhaus, who represents more NFL players than any other agent, had tried pressuring the Cardinals into trading the 28-year-old receiver. "Regarding Anquan Boldin, let me say that I have great respect for him. I'm hopeful we can work this out and he can return to the Rosenhaus Sports family in the near future. We are proud to continue to represent his brother, D.J. Boldin," Rosenhaus said in a statement to ESPN.com. "We would also like to take this opportunity to announce that we ..."

Eagles tried to swap Brown for Boldin before draft

Comment

May 16

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Eagles offered Sheldon Brown and a third-round draft pick for Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin, according to the Arizona Republic.The offer was made before the late April draft and just days after the Eagles cornerback publicly aired his unhappiness over his contract and asked to be traded. Arizona declined to make the swap, the report said.The Eagles had no comment yesterday.On Tuesday, Eagles coach Andy Reid said during an interview on WIP-AM (610) that the asking price for Boldin was too high. He said three draft picks - a first, third and fifth - and a likely $10 million contract would be too much to give up and take on for the disgruntled receiver.Reid also said that because ..."

Reid Wanted Boldin

Comment

May 14

Camden Courier-Post

"Andy Reid appeared (in voice only) on WIP yesterday to finally admit that he inquired about the price tag of Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin. Now according to the Cardinals, no good offers came their way: But, if Reid is to be believed, this may have been because the Cards simply wanted too much. Reid suggested the Cards wanted a first, third, and fifth round pick in this past April's draft. Don't forget that after giving up all those picks, you still had to sign the guy to a top WR-caliber deal. Reid said that would be around $10 million right off the bat. "That's a lot of picks, No. 1," Reid said. "And then you're going to pay the guy $10 million. So you get hit on both sides of it." ..."

Reid says Eagles checked into Boldin

Comment

May 13

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Eagles coach Andy Reid said yesterday in an interview on the morning show on WIP-AM (610) that the team checked into the availability of Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin before the NFL draft, but found the price too high.Reid suggested the price might have been first-, third- and fifth-round draft picks."That's a lot of picks, No. 1," Reid said. "And then you're going to pay the guy $10 million. So you get hit on both sides of it."Instead, the Eagles traded up two spots and selected Missouri receiver Jeremy Maclin in the first round. Reid said he thought Arizona probably wasn't willing to part with Boldin. If the Cardinals were, a deal would have been struck."He's a pretty good player ..."

Want to buy a Boldin? Here's the info

Comment

May 6

Arizona Republic

"We're starting to think that with Anquan Boldin of the Cardinals up on blocks during the team's minicamp last week, the relationship between the team and the player is only going to get uglier. Boldin wants to be traded because he believes management was disingenuous in promising a contract extension. He complained of a bad wheel and sat idle during minicamp. Meanwhile, the Cardinals insist they tried to accommodate Boldin before the draft, but nobody was offering anything they'd consider a fair trade. Thus, they were just spinning their wheels. Who knows? Maybe potential buyers for Boldin know that the Cardinals already have another high-priced ride named Larry Fitzgerald sitting in the ..."

'Beanie' a perfect fit, but Boldin is on the rocks

Comment

April 27

East Valley Tribune

columnist Scott Borrow

"Nothing against Chris "Beanie" Wells, who thankfully runs harder than his nickname suggests, but he wasn't the biggest news coming out of the Cardinals draft Saturday. Anquan Boldin was. Arizona didn't trade Boldin. He's still a Cardinal and in all likelihood he'll be a Cardinal when training camp opens in July. Now, whether Boldin shows up for camp is an entirely different question. But for now, the rumors can be put to rest. Boldin isn't going anywhere. "I've never changed my thoughts about Anquan and what he means to this team," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "We want Anquan on our football team. Coming out of this we're excited Anquan is going to be with us. We want to get a deal in place ..."

Jets still eye Cardinals' Anquan Boldin as WRs at draft are questions marks

Comment

April 23

New York Daily News

"For a coach whose receiving corps consists of Jerricho Cotchery and a bunch of question marks, Rex Ryan doesn't sound like he's ready to panic. He paints a bright picture, describing Brad Smith as "one of the scariest athletes in the league" and calling David Clowney the biggest surprise of the offseason. To paraphrase Shakespeare, he doth praise too much. Can anyone smell a smoke screen? Truth is, the Jets are determined to upgrade the position this weekend, which explains their interest in the Cardinals' Anquan Boldin, who is on the trading block because of a contract dispute. GM Mike Tannenbaum is quietly monitoring the situation, according to league sources, as are several other ..."

Ravens unlikely to trade for Boldin

Comment

April 21

Baltimore Sun

"The Ravens are unlikely to trade for wide receiver Anquan Boldin, a team source said Monday. The sticking point is that the Ravens consider the Arizona Cardinals' asking price too steep, according to the source. The Cardinals are looking for first- and third-round picks in exchange for Boldin. The Ravens, who have six picks in this weekend's NFL draft (their fewest since 2000), would consider the trade if it did not involve multiple draft selections. They would become interested if they had to give up only a first- or a second-round pick and a player, the source said. The problem is, the Dallas Cowboys set a high bar for receivers when they traded picks in the first, third and fifth rounds ..."

Ravens should go for the missing piece: Boldin

Comment

April 20

Baltimore Sun

columnist Rick Maese

"One week from now, we'll have a much better understanding of what the Ravens' roster will look like next season. But you don't have to wait for the first couple of rounds of the NFL draft to see how the Ravens could make the biggest upgrade, how they could take a pretty good team and immediately make it one of the league's very best. Anquan Boldin, the Arizona Cardinals' disgruntled wide receiver, represents the Ravens' missing link, and they're wise to pursue him aggressively. The way it stands now, it certainly appears as if there are two likely options for Boldin: an additional year in Arizona or a new friendship with Joe Flacco. On Thursday night, Boldin told Michael Irvin on his ..."

Ravens should consider hauling in Anquan Boldin

Comment

April 20

Baltimore Sun

columnist Peter Schmuck

"News item: The Ravens might make an offer to the Arizona Cardinals for disgruntled wide receiver Anquan Boldin, though it would probably cost them a first- and third-round draft choice. My take: That's a steep price, but I think general manager Ozzie Newsome should seriously consider it. That late first-round pick isn't likely to add a new dimension to the Ravens' offense. Boldin would. News item: Through the first 10 games of the season, the Orioles' offense averaged 6.4 runs and 10 hits. My take: That would be just great if opponents didn't average 6.6 runs and 12 hits over the same period. News item: Top Orioles prospect Matt Wieters had to be removed from Friday night's game between ..."

It's OK to sacrifice draft picks for Boldin

Comment

April 17

Baltimore Sun

"I'm not sure what popular sentiment is about this Anquan Boldin news, but it seems pretty simple to me: If they Ravens have a chance, they must pull the trigger on the trade. I like Boldin better than any receiver in this draft. The Ravens need a receiver. Ergo, you gotta jump on this trade. The Ravens know that to maximize Joe Flacco's potential, they've got to add another receiver into the mix, and the draft options available to them at 26 are just too risky. spoke with Eric DeCosta, the Ravens director of player personnel, this week about a variety of subjects (this interview will be posted here in the Toy Department next week) and one thing we touched on is just how difficult it is to ..."

Ravens should steer clear of Boldin

Comment

April 17

Baltimore Sun

columnist Mike Preston

"Oh, I'm so tired of hearing about Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin. He has reportedly been on the trading block for about a year, and his name keeps popping up in Baltimore because Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron really likes Boldin. His name actually started re-surfacing in trade talks about a month ago, and the Ravens were listed as one of the teams interested in Boldin. As draft day nears, we're going to hear more talk and rumors about a trade. I wouldn't give up a first- and third-round pick for Boldin. He's a good player and he could help the Ravens, but the Ravens have built through the draft, and should continue to do it that way. I'd still prefer to see the Ravens get a ..."

Boldin Would Be a Bonanza for the Ravens

Comment

April 17

Baltimore Sun

"In their offseason of critical reinforcements, the Ravens could be about to strike again. If GM Ozzie Newsome can pry Anquan Boldin loose from the Cardinals, as he is attempting to do, the Ravens will have upgraded their passing game in a major way. Boldin is the best of the veteran wide receivers on the trade market right now, a market that includes Cleveland's Braylon Edwards and perhaps Cincinnati's Chad (nee Johnson) Ocho Cinco. At 6 feet 1 and 217 pounds, Boldin is a physical, punishing receiver who gets yards after the catch. He isn't the speed merchant who will stretch the field for Joe Flacco, except when he turns the 10-yard slant into a 70-yard touchdown. But he is a threat ..."

Ravens interested in trading for Anquan Boldin

Comment

April 17

Baltimore Sun

"In a move that could drastically change this year's NFL draft, the Ravens have expressed interest in acquiring wide receiver Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals, a league source confirmed Thursday. It would likely take a first- and a third-round draft pick to acquire Boldin, who had 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. This is the third time in five years the Ravens have considered trading for a wide receiver. Their trade for Terrell Owens in 2004 was rescinded, and the team failed to complete a deal for Randy Moss in 2005. Asked whether the Ravens have contacted the Cardinals about Boldin, general manager Ozzie Newsome said Thursday: "With the draft coming up, ..."

Titans seem unlikely to get Anquan Boldin

Comment

April 17

Tennessean

"The Cardinals have made it clear that receiver Anquan Boldin is available via trade. Several teams seem interested, but the Titans say they are staying on the sideline for now. "We haven't had any discussions," Coach Jeff Fisher said Thursday. "It will be discussed in-house. Whether it gets to the point where we discuss it with Arizona remains to be seen." Arizona Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Wednesday the Cardinals are willing to listen to offers, but would also like to re-sign Boldin to a long-term deal. The Eagles, Giants, Ravens and Jets are among the teams believed to be interested in Boldin, who had 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The price to get him would ..."

Dealing Boldin seems inevitable

Comment

April 17

Arizona Republic

"The Cardinals' recent decision to listen to trade offers for receiver Anquan Boldin was surprising only because the team decided to make news by announcing it. For some time, dealing Boldin has seemed like the inevitable conclusion to a fractured relationship. The Cardinals spent the past year telling other teams they weren't interested in dealing Boldin, despite the Pro Bowl receiver's request for a trade. But the Cardinals' "no trade" proclamations usually came with three words in fine print: "at this time." Well, times have changed. Several factors played into the team's decision to take bids for Boldin, at one time perhaps the most popular Cardinals player in the team's 21-year ..."

Giants seek top receiver, but price to steep for Arizona's Anquan Boldin

Comment

April 17

New York Daily News

"The price of Anquan Boldin might be a bit too high for the Giants, but that doesn't mean Jerry Reese wouldn't be willing to pay it for someone else. With the Cardinals reportedly asking for at least first- and third-round draft picks in return for the three-time Pro Bowl receiver, the Giants GM said, "I don't know if that's the best thing for us to do." However, there are other receivers available - such as Cleveland's Braylon Edwards - and Reese said, "For the right player, you do whatever you can to make it happen." "Maybe (that price is not too high) for anybody available," Reese said yesterday. "There's a couple guys that might be worth that price." The Giants have been talking with ..."

Dolphins should be bold and go after Anquan Boldin

Comment

April 16

Palm Beach Post

columnist Dave George

"OK, South Florida football nuts, this is exactly what you wanted. It's first-and-10 again in the fully refreshed story of the Miami Dolphins, defending AFC East champions. But, wait, that schedule they put out the other day is the toughest in the league. That's sure to set the Fish back a bit in 2009. Better call it first-and-15 instead. There's a small problem, too, with all that exciting speculation about Chad Henne finally getting a chance to play some this season. The kid's got a great arm and the toughness to lead, but who is he going to partner with downfield? Not to be an alarmist, but it's starting to look a little too much like third-and-long around here again, at least in the ..."

Giants might be able to grab wide out Anquan Boldin from Cardinals

Comment

April 16

New York Daily News

"The Giants now have another option in their search for Plaxico Burress' replacement: Anquan Boldin is available, too. The Arizona Cardinals said Wednesday that they are willing to listen to offers for the 28-year-old Boldin, according to The Arizona Republic. In fact, "a few" teams have already called, Cards coach Ken Whisenhunt said. It wasn't immediately known if the Giants were one of those teams, but several NFL sources expect them to at least explore the option. Giants GM Jerry Reese has already twice opened talks with the Cleveland Browns about trading for Braylon Edwards, and obviously receiver has become a huge need since the team released the troublesome Burress on April 3. ..."

Cardinals willing to listen to offers for Boldin

Comment

April 16

Philadelphia Daily News

"The Anquan Boldin sweepstakes officially have begun.The Arizona Cardinals announced yesterday that, while they haven't put a "for sale" sign on their unhappy, three-time Pro Bowl wideout, they are listening to trade offers for him.Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt told reporters that "a few" teams already have inquired about Boldin. He said that while it still is the team's hope to sign Boldin to a new deal, they will listen to offers for him."I think it would be foolish from our standpoint not to listen to those opportunities and see what actually exists," he said. "Our position on Anquan has been consistent and our goal hasn't changed."Reaching an agreement on a new contract has been, and ..."

No change in Boldin status, says Graves

Comment

March 13

Arizona Republic

"General Manager Rod Graves denied a report by profootballtalk.com that the team is "shopping" receiver Anquan Boldin to potential trade partners. The report was attributed to an unnamed NFL source. Via text message, Graves said the Cardinals position regarding Boldin has not changed. Boldin first asked for a trade about a year ago, and the Cardinals have consistently said they were not interested in trading the Pro Bowl receiver. Graves, however, has left open the possibility that the team's stance could one day change. Boldin has two years remaining on a four-year extension signed in 2005. That extension was worth about $23 million in new money, including $10 million in bonuses."

Boldin stays quiet on contract

Comment

March 8

Arizona Republic

"Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin was the quarterback for one of the corporate teams in a flag-football fundraiser for Kurt Warner's foundation. It was another opportunity for Warner to lobby Boldin about staying with the Cardinals. Boldin has two years left on his contract and recently backed off his vow never to re-sign with Arizona. But talks with the Cardinals have not re-opened, and General Manager Rod Graves has said the team has more immediate priorities. A jovial, laughing Boldin didn't want to get into contract issues Saturday. "Letting my agent take care of it; I'm completely out of that," Boldin said. "I'm enjoying the off-season, and I plan on continuing to do that. "When it ..."

The Boldin-Cardinals soap opera

Comment

February 25

Arizona Republic

columnist Kent Somers

"Receiver Anquan Boldin's contract dispute with the Cardinals continues to play out like a soap opera, although it does lack the illicit love interest. Like a daytime drama, the plot advances so slowly that even minor developments seem like major story twists. Anquan says he'll return for the right price! Agent issues a deadline for the Cardinals to make an offer! No, he doesn't! In reality, nothing much has changed in the past year. Boldin wants a new contract. The Cardinals say they want to re-sign him. And the distance between the two remains as wide as a glacier, and just as cold. The situation has grown tiresome for everyone involved, especially for fans, many of whom have a vision ..."

Boldin willing to re-sign with Cards

Comment

February 20

Arizona Republic

"Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin reversed field Thursday, telling the team through his agent that he'd be willing to re-sign for the right price. Boldin has insisted since last summer that he would not sign another deal with the Cardinals, claiming they reneged on a promise to give him a new contract. His change of heart, however, likely won't prompt the Cardinals to rush to the bargaining table. They have more immediate priorities, including trying to re-sign quarterback Kurt Warner and inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, whose contracts have expired. An NFL source confirmed Thursday that Boldin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told General Manager Rod Graves that Boldin would be willing to return ..."

Bears should offer Brian Urlacher for Cardinals' Anquan Boldin

Comment

February 15

Chicago Tribune

columnist David Haugh

"Unless my spam filter is on the fritz, I did not receive the e-mail that agent Drew Rosenhaus is said to have sent all 32 NFL teams urging them to trade for wide receiver clients Anquan Boldin, Chad Johnson and Plaxico Burress. But if I had, this would be my reply in regard to Boldin specifically — with the Bears' best interests in mind, of course, even if that means using Brian Urlacher as trade bait. Drew, So you're looking for a taker for Anquan Boldin? Next question. (I've always wanted to say that to you on behalf of all the reporters and fans you have cut off midsentence.) Truth is, it's a timely question to ask here in Chicago. The Bulls aren't the only team in town that would love ..."

Boldin: Relationship with Cardinals can't be repaired

Comment

February 6

USA Today

"Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl wideout Anquan Boldin's frustration with management's failure to keep its word on redoing his contract last offseason has reached the boiling point. What's more, Boldin's unhappiness could impact free agent quarterback Kurt Warner's decision to return. Boldin indicated an irreparable rift exists with management that could force him to ask anew to be traded after expressing the same sentiment in the preseason. "I don't think the relationship can be repaired with the organization," Boldin told USA TODAY after Thursday's NFC practice for Sunday's Pro Bowl. "It takes more than, 'Well, we did you wrong and we'll pay you this.' It's not about the money. It was always ..."

Plenty of attractive pieces on market for Chicago Bears

Comment

February 2

Chicago Tribune

"Monday officially begins the off-season. Even if free agency doesn't begin for another 25 days, Bears fans will bandy about many names over the next month that may or may not make sense for a team buoyed by watching a fellow 9-7 team play in the Super Bowl. Quarterbacks Chris Simms. Veteran leaving the Titans makes sense as Jerry Angelo seeks competition for Kyle Orton. If the choice ends up being Simms, whom the Bears have liked since the 2003 draft, it's a competition Orton likely will win — as many in the organization would prefer. Byron Leftwich. Steelers backup dazzled media during Super Bowl week and charisma definitely would change the chemistry in the Bears' locker room. If ..."

Boldin's future may not be in the Cards after sideline tiff

Comment

January 30

Orlando Sentinel

"The shouting match seen around the NFL has been endlessly discussed and dissected. Though everyone says the sideline altercation between Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin and offensive coordinator Todd Haley during the NFC title game is behind them, a bigger question looms: Does Boldin have a future in Arizona? The former Florida State wideout made his feelings clear before the season began when he accused management of lying when he did not get the new contract he says he was promised. He went on to have another excellent season with 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns and was impressive in returning two weeks after surgery on his face following a vicious hit against the Jets. ..."

A coverage matchup that could be Taylor-made for stardom

Comment

January 29

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

columnist Ron Cook

"What a fabulous moment in time: the best cover cornerback in NFL history setting up to interview the young corner who has to be the best cover guy on the field Sunday if the Steelers are going to win Super Bowl XLIII. Ike Taylor doesn't appear to be the least bit intimidated by the idea of trying to stop Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. But Taylor clearly was in awe when Deion Sanders stopped by to chat. " 'Prime Time,' " Taylor said, quietly. "That's who I've always wanted to be like." His answers to Sanders' questions for the NFL Network weren't nearly as interesting as their conversation afterward. Taylor asked if he could ship Sanders his game tapes to be critiqued. ..."

Seeing Boldin's sideline blowup is deceiving

Comment

January 28

Chicago Tribune

columnist Rick Morrissey

"Before we get to Anquan Boldin's explanation of why he was caught on TV looking like the quintessential me-first athlete in the Cardinals' NFC championship game victory, it's important to listen to his answer to another question. The answer goes a long way toward explaining why he was so enraged at not being on the field while the Cardinals were driving for the game-winning touchdown. Question: Do you have any plates or screws in your face? "I have seven plates and 40 screws," he said. That's not a face, that's Aisle 13 at Home Depot. If there were any doubts about Boldin's devotion to his team and his teammates, they should have been erased by the fact that not only was he playing with a ..."