In a huge move for the Lions’ offense, the Detroit team today secured veteran WR Anquan Boldin on a one-year deal. This further bolsters the WR corps following the departure earlier this year of Lions legend Calvin Johnson. The Lions now have no less than eleven wide receivers competing for a roster spot.
Drafted in the second round of the 2003 draft by the Cardinals, Boldin turns 36 this year and has a glittering career behind him. A three-time Pro-Bowler, and Super Bowl winner with the 2013 Ravens, his 2015 season saw him catch 69 passes for 789 yards and four TDs as a 49er. He also holds the record for the fastest player to achieve 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 career receptions, not to mention being the first wide receiver to ever gain in excess of 100 yds for three different teams in his debut games. The Lions likely have their starters already set in the form of Golden Tate and Marvin Jones, so Boldin will have to compete for the WR3 spot against the likes of Jeremy Kerley, TJ Jones and Andres Caldwell and Roberts – though with a career total of over 1,000 catches, 13,000 yards and a whopping 74 touchdowns he is surely in with a chance, provided he’s got something left in the tank. Additionally it is worth noting that he has only 15 fumbles over the course of his lengthy pro career; something that should appeal to Lions fans who have seen all too many teflon-gloved blunders in recent years.
It is of some concern that he made the injury report no less than eight times last season with a niggling hamstring injury, however despite this he still put up impressive numbers. Provided he has sufficiently overcome any nagging doubts on that front – and it’s fair to surmise he has, or we wouldn’t have seen him offered a deal today – this is a great move for Detroit heading into the 2016 season. To parallel The Matrix with Stafford in the role of Neo – we have guns. Lots of guns.
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