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5 Players the 49ers Should Still Target in Free Agency

By Jerod Brown

January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Workers apply decals to the exterior of Levi
January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Workers apply decals to the exterior of Levi /
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November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends against San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) defends against San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Anquan Boldin-Wide Receiver

2015 Statistics

Anquan Boldin has been the best receiver on the 49ers for the last three seasons. Last season, Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 79.6, ranking him 33rd among qualifying wide receivers. He managed 69 catches for nearly 800 yards in a 49ers offense that was absolutely atrocious.

Boldin recently became an unrestricted free agent and is probably going to sign the last contract he ever does as an NFL player. Boldin made his preferences clear just before free agency began.

Before assuming that Boldin’s desire to play somewhere competitive means he won’t play for the 49ers, read a piece I wrote at the beginning of free agency to address how the 49ers might be able persuade him to stay.

Boldin was impressive in an offense that was not designed for him to routinely be successful. His age is a factor–Boldin is 35 years old–but he could see a late-career surge in Kelly’s offense. Boldin is perfectly-suited to succeed as a receiver for the 49ers in 2016.

Boldin excels as a route-runner and uses his size and strength to be physical with smaller cornerbacks. His age doesn’t affect his speed–which has never been great to begin–and Boldin has learned to win in other ways. Kelly prefers big receivers that win one-on-one matchups. That’s Boldin in a nutshell.

The 49ers appear to be hedging their bets on wide receivers DeAndre Smelter, Eric Rogers and maybe Bruce Ellington or Quinton Patton. They need a number two and three receiver to pair with deep-threat Torrey Smith. None of those players inspire complete confidence. Could they all turn out to be productive? Absolutely.

But why not pay Boldin to come back and continue to be a veteran mentor for the young receivers to learn from? The 49ers need veteran leadership in the locker room while they continue to rebuild with one of the youngest rosters in the league.

The 49ers should offer Boldin a two-year contract worth about $5 million per year with options on each side if Boldin decides to leave after a year.

Next: Give Him Another Shot