Anquan Boldin Decides to Return to NFL for 2017 Season Instead of Retirement

Anquan Boldin's reputation as an ageless wonder was reinforced during the 2016 season, and the 36-year-old announced Monday he plans to continue playing following a strong campaign with the Detroit Lions.   

ESPN's Jim Trotter first relayed the news of Boldin's decision. He is currently an unrestricted free agent. 

Boldin latched on with the Lions at the start of training camp, and he figured to be a supplementary receiving option at best for Matthew Stafford and Co. However, Boldin exceeded expectations and operated as one of the Lions' more consistent receivers throughout an up-and-down season.   

In 16 games during his first season in the Motor City, Boldin posted 67 catches for 584 yards and eight touchdowns—marks that were impressive when contrasted with the ones posted by $40 million free-agent signee Marvin Jones Jr.

"He’s been great, really since Day 1," Stafford said, per the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett. "It was pretty incredible just how he stepped in and jumped right in. I didn’t know if he was going to, in training camp, going to take a couple weeks. He's practicing with the first-string offense Day 1 and has really not missed a beat since then."

Boldin was also lauded by members of the Lions' coaching staff for his professional approach to the game. 

"Extremely dependable," offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said, per Birkett. "Somebody who communicates well, somebody who’s really reliable. For the quarterback, for me, for his teammates. Converts third downs. Effective in the red zone. Obviously a veteran, respected player that has a really respected presence in our huddle, in our locker room, in our offensive meeting room."

The future Hall of Famer has been a consummate professional at every stop to this point, and there's no reason that should change in 2017. 

With strong hands and a stronger work ethic, Boldin should continue to drink from the fountain of youth and serve as a tried-and-true no frills contributor who scorches defenses with his veteran savvy. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.