Report: Anquan Boldin To Sign With Lions
By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
Anquan Boldin's career has come full-circle.
After making his NFL debut at Ford Field in 2003, Boldin will return to Detroit as a member of the Lions for the 2016 season, according to Adam Schefter.
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
The Lions have been active in bolstering their receiving core in the wake of Calvin Johnson's retirement. Assuming the Boldin deal goes through, he will be the eighth wide receiver the team has signed this offseason. He figures to slot in behind Golden Tate and Marvin Jones on the depth chart.
Boldin is coming off a 2015 season for the 49ers in which he caught 69 passes for 789 yards and four touchdowns. The three-time Pro-Bowler is well removed from his prime, but has still averaged 5.2 receptions and 65.9 yards per game in the past three seasons.
After spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Cardinals, Boldin enjoyed a three-year stint in Baltimore from 2010-2012. While there, he won a Super Bowl in 2012 and played under current Lions coach Jim Caldwell, who was the Ravens' offensive coordinator.
There is no replacing a player of Calvin Johnson's caliber. But with the acquisition of Boldin, the Lions have taken another step in filling the void.