Continuing Saga Between Anquan Boldin and the Cardinals' Management

The Arizona Cardinals made the Super Bowl in 2009 and played for the Lombardi trophy against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cardinals' great offense is headlined by such stars as quarterback Kurt Warner and wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.

Unfortunately for the Cards, they lost to the Steelers in a thrilling 27-23 victory in Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium.

Kurt Warner Goes to San Francisco

In the offseason, the Cardinals at first had problems re-signing Kurt Warner to a new contract. These issues even lead to Warner flying on a plane to San Francisco and discussing a deal with the division foes, 49ers. In the end, Kurt decided to stay in Arizona and signed a contract with the Cards.

While it was troubling that Arizona’s upper management even allowed Kurt to get on a plane to Frisco, those contract issues pail in comparison to the problems they have had with getting a deal done with Anquan Boldin.

Contract Problems Start in 2008 Offseason

During 2008 offseason, Boldin came out publically and told the media that he wanted a new contract from the Cardinals or he wanted to be traded. This demand came not long after Arizona signed fellow receiver Larry Fitzgerald to a new long-term contract. At one point, Anquan even came out and said that head Coach Ken Wisenhunt and management were flat out liars.

Boldin said the reason he called them out was because they promised him they would take care of him and did nothing.

Bolden Plays in 2008

To Anquan’s credit, he played the 2008 season with more passion on the field then ever before as he posted Pro Bowl-caliber numbers again with 89 receptions for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns in just 12 games!

While those are outstanding numbers, the 12 games played is an important stat and the reason I believe Boldin has not received a new contract. No. 81 has missed four games each of the past two seasons in the NFL. Even in the Cardinals' great playoff run, Boldin missed time in different games due to injury.

Some of those games he missed were because of the vicious hit he took against the Jets. That injury was obviously not his fault. To see Anquan come back and still play hard after that play just shows you what a competitor this guy really is.

Get the Deal Done

In my mind, the Cardinals upper management needs to get this deal done with Bolden. Even though he's had injury problems, this guy is too good to let go of. Bidwell and the boys need to stop being so cheap and sign this guy before they make a terrible mistake and let him go.

Anquan Boldin’s Fantasy Football Information for 2009

Mr. Boldin has already made it public knowledge last season that he does not believe in holding out and missing games in the regular season. So with this in mind, it is safe to say that Anquan will be on the field during the 2009 season even if he does not have a new deal completed.

I still have Boldin as a top 10 fantasy football receiver on my board and so should you. Look to snag this big lug no later than the fifth round in your fantasy football draft.

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