Why the Cards Can't Part Ways with Anquan Boldin

It’s week 17 and I’m watching the Cardinals struggle against a waning Seahawks team early in the first quarter when our entire section begins to chant, “Same ‘ol Cardinals!”  Four Kurt Warner touchdown passes later, it was obvious that these weren’t the “same ‘ol Cardinals” anymore.  So why would they jeopardize their chances of another Super Bowl run in 2009 by parting ways with their Pro Bowl receiver, Anquan Boldin?

Let’s face it; Arizona didn’t exactly set the regular season on fire finishing one game above .500 in the NFL’s worst division. But they peaked at the right time and brought the playoff scene to their house for the first time since 1947 and finished one defensive stand short of a Super Bowl win. 

The Cardinals finished the 2008 regular season ranked second in passing offense, throwing for 292 yards a contest and put up the third most points in the league at just over 26 points per game. There are three obvious keys to this explosive offensive production: Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin. So why would the front office even think about dealing one of those pieces now that things are finally coming together? 

As the draft approaches and questions linger, management is holding steadfast to their commitment to their Pro Bowl receiver, but the rumor mill seems to be working overtime and Boldin is not a happy camper. His current agreement runs for another two years, but he has clearly outperformed his contract and is demanding market value compensation.  He is seeking a contract similar to that of his counterpart, Larry Fitzgerald.

So, should the front office pay the wideout? Absolutely. Boldin is the best number two in the game and a perfect complement to Fitzgerald’s great hands and excellent leaping ability. If you’re of the opinion that AZ would be fine without Boldin, let’s take a closer look at the impact of his departure. In 2008, Boldin caught 89 balls, accumulated 1,038 yards, and scored 11 touchdowns…in only 12 games. He’s big, physical, aggressive, and not afraid to go over the middle and make tough catches in crowds. He is an expert at catching balls near the line of scrimmage and breaking big runs, having finished second in the league (behind Wes Welker) in yards-after-catch with 595 yards. This aspect of Boldin’s game allows the offense to keep defenses from pressuring Warner, and allows their QB a reliable option to check to before the snap.  

Sure, Steve Breaston would be a nice number two if Boldin leaves the desert, but you have to consider how Breaston’s promotion would change the offense. Breaston is a fast, agile receiver who can use his speed in space, but doesn’t break tackles and won’t provide the dump off option that Boldin does. Playing a larger role in the offense, Breaston would no doubt be relieved of special team duties and leave the special teams without the big play threat he provides.  He was the primary punt returner and split kick returning responsibilities with the recently departed J.J. Aarington last season. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sxo0fISiPHg)

Having a speedy slot receiver like Breaston creates mismatches against slower nickel cornerbacks and outside linebackers lacking coverage skills. If you don’t think this is an important aspect of emerging offenses, ask Wes Welker how he makes a living. If Breaston is promoted, the slot position is likely to go to Jerheme Urban, a capable role player, but less agile receiver who doesn’t pose as significant a mismatch against defenders.

Is the situation a result of the organization’s salary cap headaches? You can make an argument that paying your QB and two receivers such a large portion of your cap is unreasonable, but is it really? Where are the Cardinals without Boldin in 2009 and beyond? Not in the Super Bowl, that’s for sure. In 2008, Boldin’s $2.5 million dollar paycheck was half of that of Edgerrin James’, who the team is likely to release prior to the draft, and minuscule in comparison to Fitzgerald’s $17 million dollar price tag. With the release of James, the Cardinals save around five million in 2009 and will have some ability to work a deal with Anquan Boldin.  

Kurt Warner has offered to take a pay cut if the team can come to terms with Boldin, and why wouldn’t he? He understands the value Anquan brings to the offense and the organization. He proved his worth last season. Number 81 bounced back from a devastating hit delivered by Jet's safety Eric Smith in week four, that required surgery to repair a broken bone in his face. Critics were skeptical about his ability to return and play like the same "Anquan Boldin." In his first game back, he caught nine balls and two touchdowns and put to rest any ideas about his confidence being shaken. He played through hamstring injuries in the playoffs and performed well in the Cardinal’s outstanding playoff run, and hauled in eight balls for the Cardinals in the Super Bowl.   

The bottom line is that there is no player in the draft or free agency that can step in and produce for the Cardinals like Anquan Boldin.  The only compensation AZ is likely to get will be in the form of draft picks, but there’s not a player in the draft that can have his kind of impact in 2009. The Cardinals have positioned themselves for another playoff run next season, but doing so without Anquan Boldin will be a big challenge.

This is an issue of respect. Respect that Boldin has earned. Pay the man.