Boldin Bidding For Florida Team
June 16th, 2017
Eyes on the Bucs?
Joe types this post with advance apologies to the Bobo Wilson fan club, the happy-hour regulars at the velvet-lined lounge in the Vero Beach Ramada Inn, and yearning Vincent Jackson.
Winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter and general manager Jason Licht keep trumpeting that it’s impossible to have too many good football players. And Joe assumes that mantra applies to the No. 5 receiver position, where the Bucs have a lot of unproven guys vying for a gig.
Yeah, it’s just a No. 5 receiver job, but that spot was a brutally critical role for the Bucs the past two years. Disappointing performances from there — and just a simple lack of talent — cost the team dearly.
Now, a new Detroit Free Press report claims Anquan Boldin, the ninth-leading receiver in NFL history, is yearning to play this season for a Florida team. The Florida State great and South Florida native wants to come home.
The 36-year-old is hardly washed up. He caught 67 balls and eight touchdowns on just 95 targets for the playoff-bound Lions last season, and Detroit was glowing in its praise of him.
As a regular listener of SiriusXM NFL Radio, Joe has heard many comments and stories of what a locker room rock Boldin has been through his career, the kind of guy you want around.
So should the Bucs bring in Boldin for a tryout? (Tryouts are nearly free!)
For Joe, it would be a no-brainer.
Bring in Boldin for a long look. Feel him out. See if you think he has more to offer than Josh Huff, Bernard Reedy, Donteea Dye, Derel Walker, Wilson and Freddie Martino. And see if Boldin is willing to ride the bench and stay sharp while he does.
If the Bucs signed Boldin, Joe’s confident very few Bucs fans would ever cry over the loss of the aforementioned receivers.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Boldin is a no brainer if he wants to play.
Evans
Djax
Godwin
Boldin
Sperbeck
Hump
I like
June 16th, 2017 at 1:09 pm
Just like everyone on here always cries and screams:
June 16th, 2017 at 1:13 pm
@celly
DING DING DING! Exactly. Would love to have Boldin, but #4 WRs and on down need to play special teams… I don’t see Boldin, as tough and maniacal as he is, out there doing that.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:14 pm
I’m sorry but I think Bolden wants to play, and likely not special teams. He would be the firs call I make if we lose a starter, but I wouldn’t insult the 9th leading receiver in NFL history with a 5th wr offer.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:14 pm
When you can’t find work and someone flashes six-figures in your face with one small, innocent, legal catch, might just tend to change a person’s stance.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Celly, good point. And if that is true, Druggiefresh better be scared. He can’t play special teams and he very easily might be a backup this year. Bucs are going to pay a backup who can’t play special teams millions of dollars?
June 16th, 2017 at 1:28 pm
How cool would it be if one of these Veteran WRs, that were previously a bonafide WR2 or perhaps even a WR1, came out and said something along the lines of “I WANT to play for a championship so bad, even if that means being 5th on the depth chart, and I’m willing to cover/return on kick-offs and punts, as long as I can contribute.”
A guy with Boldin’s resume doesn’t have to do this, he should be able to find work as a WR3 (not likely on the Bucs), and no one should expect this of him, I just think it would be pretty cool if it did happen.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:32 pm
Yes!
June 16th, 2017 at 1:36 pm
Can we stash bobo on practice squad? If so then ya. Who better to teach godwin to use his size than anquan? 6’1″ 216 when he came in. Godwin is similar, but faster.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:39 pm
Nah just bring back VJax.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Pass on 36 year old Boldin.
We have plenty of young talent to choose from and develop at WR.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:42 pm
I say, sign the best players you can and worry about special team responsibilities and playing time later. That’s what coaches are paid to do.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:45 pm
Joe Says:
June 16th, 2017 at 1:14 pm
I don’t see Boldin, as tough and maniacal as he is, out there doing that.
When you can’t find work and someone flashes six-figures in your face with one small, innocent, legal catch, might just tend to change a person’s stance.
_____________________________________________________________
Love to have him but I’m afraid that he wouldn’t play as wildly and maniacally on special teams. Kinda like dodge ball in school. You’d kinda hide behind the other guys till you finally had to throw down.
June 16th, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Wait, you mean to tell me we can’t keep a younger Huff/Reedy etc..someone with speed who should DJax goes down, we aren’t in the same position looking for a speedy playmaker on the outside?
White was washed up. An as an FSU fan, I hate to say it, but Boldin is washed up as well and just a name.
Don’t forget about Walker (CFL star) Sperbeck…and whomever else we could pick-up along the way that we could nurture.
June 16th, 2017 at 2:07 pm
I have to side with Celly. How would a 36 year old near hall of famer on the outside with special teams do ? I figure not much. It’s one thing catching passes; it’s quite another bursting through double teams and then sticking your head into a return man with a 300 pound lineman hanging on.
June 16th, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Looks like Miami gets him. Is Jacksonville qualified as South Florida ? If they’re will to pay up, I guess it does.
June 16th, 2017 at 2:27 pm
Boldin would be a great addition to this team. He does well everywhere he goes.
June 16th, 2017 at 2:41 pm
Out of the 3 Florida teams, I’m guessing we’re #3 as far as which team would be the best fit. We have too much depth at WR.
Don’t you think the Bucs would have kept Riley Cooper longer into OTAs and mini camp if they were desperate to replace the 4s, 5s, and 6s at WR? He’s young and experienced. But, that didn’t happen.
Donteea Dye will be on the active roster. Out of Bobo and Derel, one will make it to the active roster, while the other will go to the PS. Sperbeck might make it to the PS also. Freddy Martino is the odd man out.
June 16th, 2017 at 2:46 pm
We already have a boldin. His name is godwin. And joe, 36 year old accomplished football players are not looking to play special teams for a 6 figure contract. The man has made plenty of money. He is not needed. If djax or godwin goes down, then give him a look.
June 16th, 2017 at 2:46 pm
The only person who would bring up Riley Cooper’s name in a discussion about Boldin is Riley Coopers mother. Cooper never has done anything in NFL. Boldin is a sure fire hall of famer and top ten of all time receiver.
June 16th, 2017 at 3:33 pm
Unless the WR corps is decimated with injuries (including proprioception), I wouldn’t favor signing any veteran WR at this point. The younger WRs need to develop. Besides, if you want to bring in a vet WR who doesn’t play special teams, why go after Boldin when VJax is still available? He would be a better option because he is younger and more experienced in Coach Koetter’s system.
June 16th, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Some of you (including joe) have no damn sense.
1. There is no way in hell Boldin is coming here. Competition brings out the best in everybody, we have a very strong competition for the last WR spot. The best man will win that job and make the team at a much cheaper price than Boldin and provide more than what Boldin can. Joe you can’t fight on both sides of the argument regarding leadership in the locker room. You can’t blow it off when it doesn’t fit your agenda and then talk it up when it does. Pick a side and stick to it.
2. Doug Martin will be a back up????? you have got to be F@$!ING kidding me? Who in the hell on this roster right now will beat him out? A guy we signed off the streets that no one else wanted, a guy who can’t run between the tackles, or the guy we drafted in the 5th round who hasn’t practiced for us yet? If you haven’t laid your eyes on the gentlemen in that running back group yet you are simply talking out of your arse, Doug is head and shoulders better than them all and when week 4 comes around will rightfully take his spot as the NUMBER ONE RB on this team.
June 16th, 2017 at 3:38 pm
The Joe’s sure love their old and slow receivers way past their prime
June 16th, 2017 at 3:38 pm
I like him over josh huff for sure….and huff couldn’t play ST either….GO BUCS!!!
June 16th, 2017 at 3:41 pm
vjax at the best of his career could not carry Boldin’s jock strap… vjax washed up three agos and still brought up here. hilarious.
1gr8Buc
the only thing that is fact is that Martin is head and shoulders more UNRELIABLE than any back on the team. martin has proven time and time again he can not be counted on. bucs are trying to win screw martin
June 16th, 2017 at 3:43 pm
It will be Dye, Huff or the great hands on Walker taking that #5 spot
June 16th, 2017 at 3:44 pm
Boldin is a RELIABLE NFL caliber receiver. the only two PROVEN NFL caliber receivers on bucs roster are Evans and Djax. that is undisputed fact. save your hump crap there is a reason bucs went out and did what they did this offseason and there is also a reason hump was undrafted. nice story but very low ceiling.
June 16th, 2017 at 3:44 pm
Tmax – You have already proven you’re a fool and couldn’t tell your ass from a hole in the ground. Quick, I see GMC running off with your woman.
June 16th, 2017 at 3:44 pm
Vincent Jackson is DONE
June 16th, 2017 at 3:48 pm
Tmax – always proving you are a damn fool. Hump is a SLOT RECEIVER. Follow me while I spell it out for you, Y.O.U. H.A.V.E N.O. C.L.U.E W.H.A.T. Y.O.U A.R.E. T.A.L.K.I.N.G A.B.O.U.T.
Godwin was drafted to replace Djax when his time is up here, Godwin plays outside Hump plays slot. “As simple as that!” It’s amazing you even know what you are watching when you watch the games, if you even do.
June 16th, 2017 at 3:54 pm
I thought we were done signing players that wanted to get paid while enjoying this great weather….
if I were licht, he would have to have a better motive to wanting to play in FLA besides “wanting to come home”….he’s got $$$$…he’s got a ring….he has longevity….
tell’em take that BS to JAX…..GO BUCS!!!!
June 16th, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Joe never saw an old dude he wouldn’t sacrifice a roster position for. Too bad you can’t read. Joe never wrote that. And Joe has turned his nose at several vets, but Joe ALWAYS wants the Bucs to take a long look at most guys. A lot of teams keep six receivers, you know.–Joe A young guy like Derel Walker or Thomas Sperbeck could be still be playing roles for us in 5 years… Yeah, Joe will take that bet all day. Please. –Joe Boldin has 1 year left, maybe 2. If Godwin is all he’s cracked up to be, and Hump is also rising, I just don’t see the point in Boldin. More money, less upside, no special teams work. Joe, this doesn’t make a lot of sense unless they plan to deploy 4 wides, which I doubt.
June 16th, 2017 at 3:56 pm
What is with you and elderly receivers? 5th receiver has to play special teams, if he’s not good enough to be the number three or four then that says we’re not desperate
June 16th, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Bring Quan to Tampa!!
Why In the hell would Quan play Special Teams?
We’ve got enough reserves to play the special teams – without using Quan.
Case In Point:
FB
• (FB#1) Alan Cross
Tight-End
• Cameron Brate | (TE#4) Antony Auclair
• O.J. Howard | (TE#3) Luke Stocker
Receivers
• Mike Evans | (4) Chris Godwin
• DeSean Jackson | Anquan Boldin
• Adam Humphries | (5) Josh Huff
Linebackers
• LaVonte David | (WLB#2) Lynch Cameron
• Kwon Alexander | (MLB#2) Adarius Glanton
• Devante Bond | (SLB#2) Kendell Beckwith
Corners
• Brent Grimes | (CB#3) Josh Robinson
• Vernon Hargreaves | (CB#4) Ryan Smith
• Jude Adjei-Barimah | Javien Elliott
Safeties
• Chris Conte | (FS#2) Keith Tandy
• J.J. Wilcox | (SS#2) Justin Evans
Special Teams – Kick-Off Coverage Team
X – CB#3 – Josh Robinson
X – WR#5 – Josh Huff
X – WLB#2 – Lynch Cameron
X – SS#2 – Justin Evans
X – MLB#2 – Adarius Glanton
K –
X – SLB#2 – Kendell Beckwith
X – TE#3 – Luke Stocker
X – FB#1 – Alan Cross
X – FS#2 – Keith Tandy
X – CB#4 – Ryan Smith
June 16th, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Receivers
• Mike Evans | Anquan Boldin ??
• DeSean Jackson | (4) Chris Godwin
• Adam Humphries | (5) Josh Huff
June 16th, 2017 at 4:05 pm
Per: Dirk Koetter
June 16th, 2017 at 4:09 pm
I say invite Boldin, and may the best man win.
Why not?
June 16th, 2017 at 4:13 pm
1Gr8Buc
gmc does not run off with anything but paychecks. and second hump is an undrafted mediocre receiver anyway you slice it.
June 16th, 2017 at 4:16 pm
So did you post this quote from Koetter to contradict your point? He is saying your 5th or 6th guy has to play special teams and has to block, but you are saying he doesn’t have to play ST. He would NOT be a #2 or #3 receiver on our team.
Usually your #3 WIDEOUT, not SLOT backs up both the 1 and the 2 if they go down, it is not mandatory that they only back up one or the other which is why our WR coach/OC (same person) makes sure all the WRs know all the routes for all the different spots. Hump will not be moving to the outside on a regular basis unless for extreme circumstances (injuries).
From what I saw on Wednesday those fringe WRs with the exception of Walker are balling out and doing everything they can to stand out from one another. It’s going to be a tough choice but it’s a good problem to have.
Everyone sees a name and acts like giddy school girls around here, I.E. the center from the Jets, Roddy White, now Boldin. Everyone wants this team and fanbase to be taken seriously but act like this every time a semi recognizable name is floated in front of your face like a carrot.
June 16th, 2017 at 4:19 pm
Wherever Quan signs in Florida.
He will be the 4th or 5th option.
Miami
1st. Allen Robinson
2nd. Marqise Lee
3rd. Allen Hurns
Dede Westbrook
Bryan Walters
Rashad Greene
Jacksonville
1st. Jarvis Landry
2nd. DeVante Parker
3rd. Kenny Stills
Leonte Carroo
Isaiah Ford
Jacksonville
1st. Jarvis Landry
2nd. DeVante Parker
3rd. Kenny Stills
Leonte Carroo
Isaiah Ford
So why not Tampa?
June 16th, 2017 at 4:19 pm
#
June 16th, 2017 at 4:22 pm
My bad on the 2nd Jville
June 16th, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Luv – got your teams mixed up but got your point. I honestly do not see the need. You bring him in nd you devalue the competition brewing between the guys we have currently for that spot.
Thank you for the list of WRs and after seeing them I think Miami would be the best fit for him and his services. I can’t think of too much leadership on the offensive side of the ball for MIA, you have Pouncey and maybe Landry but outside of that I don’t think anyone is praising Tannehill for his leadership or Stills.
On our side we have Jameis, Evans, Djax, (i know some are going to flip over this one) Martin, Stocker (who has been named without questioning for his leadership in the TE group), Eventually Marpet. Those are all very professional guys on every level of the offense.
June 16th, 2017 at 4:31 pm
At the age of 36 Quan is still a very solid possesion receiver.
He still attacks the middle of the field better than most (no fear)
Like I’ve said over the last two or three years.
I’ll take Quan over any of the Martino’s and DeDe’s of the world.
June 16th, 2017 at 4:36 pm
1Gr8Buc
Good points. Miami’s a viable option.
Football is all about building comradery.
Jameis & Evans have done plenty of that – the last few offseasons with Quan.
Quan has a wealthy of knowledge & grit that he can still bring; to the backend of this rotation.
June 16th, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Just because the old man wants to play in a certain area certainly doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Beggers can’t be choosers as the old saying goes
June 16th, 2017 at 4:41 pm
Jacksonville
1st. Allen Robinson
2nd. Marqise Lee
3rd. Allen Hurns
Dede Westbrook
Bryan Walters
Rashad Greene
Miami
1st. Jarvis Landry
2nd. DeVante Parker
3rd. Kenny Stills
Leonte Carroo
Isaiah Ford
June 16th, 2017 at 4:50 pm
@TMax, Since reading comprehension is not one of your strong suits, I’ll help you out. Riley Cooper is mentioned not in relation to Boldin, but in relation to the 4, 5, and 6 WR depth we have. Boldin is a HOFer, no doubt. But, at this point in his career, his declining YAC and age is not going to attract too many suitors. The Bucs are content with the depth at WR otherwise they would have kept Riley around as camp meat to compete.
BTW, since when has draft status stopped any undrafted player to make a name for themselves? Ever heard of Wes Welker?
June 16th, 2017 at 4:58 pm
I’m afraid this is one year too late. Boldin last year, I would say all in. This year, I’m not going to take Howard, Godwin or Brate off the field for Boldin. I give he edge to Humpreys too, but even if they were equal I take Hump due to the age. Not even mentioning Walker, Sperbeck or Wilson, much less Dye, Huff or Martino on Special teams.
June 16th, 2017 at 5:07 pm
Last thing
If you really wanna improve red zone efficiency – Sign Quan
Anquan Boldin (2016)
Inside 20
• Targets: (24) | Completions: (16) | Com%: (66.67) | TD’s: (7) ← Insane
June 16th, 2017 at 5:24 pm
LUVMYBUCS..that is insane..
Why not give him a try out?
June 16th, 2017 at 5:41 pm
Give him a tryout. Who says we can’t carry 6 WR’s? With this being a league predicated on hamstrings and ACL”s I say carry two QB’s, 4RB’s 1PK, and teach one of those lineman like Hawley how to LS. Aways seemed like a wasted roster spot to me.
June 16th, 2017 at 6:52 pm
bucs_365 Says:
June 16th, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Joe sez:
I read very well. You don’t have to write it to be obvious! Too bad you can’t notice how EVERY time an aging veteran is released, Joe thinks the Bucs should sign him. If Joe was GM, we’d be the over-the-hill gang with a busted payroll, all our future draft picks traded, and 5 years of 4-12 records.
June 16th, 2017 at 7:37 pm
You people are nuts. The Bucs have all the WRs they need. We don’t need Anquan Boldin.
June 16th, 2017 at 7:41 pm
Im all for it. What if one of our top 3 goes down? you know its possible with Djax (not trying to knock him, just past history) hopefully he stays healthy all season. But Boldin could step in at times to rest the other guys too. You know we need it. I dont know what the right price would be but it looks like it might be just right if he wants to come here. And you know Miami or Jacksonville wont be making a playoff run this year.
June 16th, 2017 at 10:13 pm
Not a chance.. Thank god
June 16th, 2017 at 10:44 pm
He had a chance to sign with us last yr. Jameis even went to his camp but he choose Detroit and then they took our playoff spot. F that, he can stay in Detroit. I even @ him and he completely ignored me. We can’t have that!
June 16th, 2017 at 10:49 pm
He should have come to Tampa last year.
June 16th, 2017 at 11:34 pm
Boldin is a really good reciever. This would be a no brainer for a one year deal
June 17th, 2017 at 9:28 am
MadMax Says
“I’m all for it. What if one of our top 3 goes down?”
Then we use our depth, which happens to be REALLY good.
You people hear a well-known name and always want to jump at it. Signing Bolden would not be the best thing for the team.
June 17th, 2017 at 11:11 am
One is a rookie, the other a small wr. Im actually putting Godwin in that 3rd spot. The rest arent in Boldins category. So you disagree, big whoop! Doesnt I dont know my stuff so shove it pal.
June 17th, 2017 at 11:13 am
Doesnt “mean”