In 2013, after the Ravens capped off their 2012 season with a magical Super Bowl run, they traded their top wide receiver, Anquan Boldin, to the 49ers. With that trade, the Ravens lost their best wide receiver, and a fan favorite player. With Baltimore, Boldin was the go to weapon for quarterback Joe Flacco, and was an integral part of the Ravens offense. Boldin went on to preform well with the 49ers for three seasons, with two years of over 1,000 yards receiving. In 2016, he landed with the Detroit Lions after not resigning with the 49ers. There he produced just under 600 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
Before being traded in 2013, Boldin remarked that he wished to “retire a Raven”. If he stills wants to do so, there is a distinct opportunity that he still can. With Steve Smith Sr. retiring, the Ravens are in the market for a veteran receiver who can still produce. Boldin certainly can still play, but not at the level he once did. The Ravens will need to decide if it is necessary to bring him back. Boldin is 36, going on his 15th NFL season. His age suggests that his play could drop off at any time now, as it does for all players eventually.
In short, the Ravens probably won’t be seeing a reunion with their Super Bowl star. The thought is entertaining to many Ravens fans, including myself, who want to see one of their favorite receivers back in purple and black, but that does not take away from the fact that he’s 36 and his numbers have dropped for two years in a row. In 2014 he totaled 1,062 receiving yards, in 2015, 789 yards, and in 2016, 584 yards. No matter how unlikely it may seem that Boldin ends up back in Baltimore, it shouldn’t be ruled out. If the Ravens feel they can get a year out of Boldin to buy time to develop some more younger receivers found in the draft, they may sign him.
