Written By Fred Gratzon Anquan Boldin plays the way Eagle fans love. There is no question about it; Boldin would look great in midnight green. And most importantly, he would immediately elevate everyone's game.
But while visions of Boldin (and sugar plums) dance in our heads, let us consider, for just a moment, the potential downside of Anquan Boldin.
Boldin plays physical football at which means he takes a beating. Unfortunately these beatings can add up fast. So the question is can he remain an electrifying presence for several more years or will he soon be entering a rapid decline?
I think no one is more aware of the uncertainty of his future than Anquan himself. After all, he is the one taking the hits. He also knows that his perceived value is at its highest right now. That may be why he is clamoring so intensely for a new contract. (And that same uncertainty is probably why the Cardinals are entertaining trade offers.)
Keep in mind Boldin did miss four games in 2007 and four games in 2008. That's not an encouraging statistic. Plus he will be 29 at the beginning of this upcoming season. Tick tock.
So what will our front office do?
I, for one, am impressed by the unemotional way the Eagles evaluate talent. I believe that characteristic is one of the front office's greatest assets. They don't get intoxicated by the flavor of the day like the Redskins do. Or like some of us Eagle fans do. And they hate to overpay which is wise since overpaying is not a sustainable business practice.
The front office almost assuredly has a good idea of what it will take to get the deal done and they are carefully weighing the pluses and minuses of Boldin against what may be available to the Eagles when the 21st (or 28th) pick rolls around. (As a fan, I would love being privy to those discussions.)
Anyway, the plot is definitely thickening and the suspense building. Given all the possible twists and turns out there, I am finding this off-season as riveting and as exhilarating as 2004.
