In an effort to establish more veteran depth at wide receiver, the Lions plan to sign free-agent wide receiver Anquan Boldin to a one-year deal Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
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 35-year old veteran (who turns 36 in October) is coming off a season last year with the 49ers where he recorded 69 catches for 789 yards and four touchdowns. Respectable numbers however it was the first time since 2012 Boldin didn’t eclipse the 1,000 yard mark.
Having spent three-seasons with Jim Caldwell in Baltimore, the former second round pick of the Arizona Cardinals back in 2003, Boldin is ranked 17 all-time in receiving yards, 12th in receptions and tied for 33rd in receiving touchdowns according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. He’s also a three-time Pro-Bowler with 1,009 career catches for 13,195 yards and 74 touchdowns.
The Lions obviously won’t be getting the guy who made a name for himself in Arizona and Baltimore however Boldin continues to prove to be a productive, possession receiver in the League which may be good enough playing behind Golden Tate and Marvin Jones. He could also prove to valuable in short yardage situations or in the red zone where the Lions scored a touchdown 69.39 percent of the time (good for second in the League) but ranked 20th in total yardage. Boldin also graded out at a 79.6 with Pro Football Focus putting him solidly within their starter bracket.
