Detroit Lions Sign WR Anquan Boldin as Training Camp Looms
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions have added Anquan Boldin as a veteran presence at wide receiver just days before reporting to training camp for the 2016 season.
Detroit Lions fans should expect general manager Bob Quinn to tinker with the roster throughout training camp. It turns out he’s not even waiting for camp to begin. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions have signed free agent wide receiver Anquan Boldin to a one-year deal.
Former 49ers, Ravens and Cardinals' WR Anquan Boldin plans to sign a 1-year deal with Lions, per sources. Two sides now finalizing deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2016
Boldin will report for his 14th NFL training camp when the Lions convene later this week. He may be past his prime but he still posted solid receiving numbers of 69 receptions for 789 yards and four touchdowns despite the San Francisco 49ers’ issues at quarterback last season.
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With a number of passing targets already at Matthew Stafford‘s disposal, Boldin’s biggest impact could come off the field. There isn’t much talk about the Lions needing to “change the culture” these days, despite still needing to break free of their putrid history, but Boldin, the reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year, is the perfect example of the type of player to bring in to do so.
Head coach Jim Caldwell has personal history with Boldin as the two were part of the Baltimore Ravens’ championship run in 2012. The experience earned Caldwell a glowing review from Boldin.
I asked Boldin about playing for Caldwell earlier this yr. His response: "Caldwell’s probably 1 of the better coaches that I’ve played for"
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) July 26, 2016
The retirement of Calvin Johnson opens up the number 81 jersey – the only number Boldin has ever worn in the NFL. Will the Lions issue it to Boldin or hold it back in deference to Johnson?
Signing Boldin is bad news for some players on the roster bubble, perhaps most notably Corey Fuller, who was one of three players placed on the PUP list to start camp. Competition for the final spot or spots on the wide receiver depth chart was already going to be crowded but that battle just got more fierce.
Next: Bob Quinn's Approach to Training Camp Roster
Boldin, the 54th pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, burst onto scene by torching the Lions to the tune of ten catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns in his first-ever NFL game. Fellow rookie Charles Rogers, the second overall pick in the draft, also had two touchdowns on the day but had just four catches for 38 yards in total in his debut.