I’m not big on receivers. I think they’re overrated. In fact, I think they are the most overrated, over hyped position in football.
That said, the Arizona Cardinals need to whip out their checkbook and pay Anquan Boldin what he wants.
Over the summer Boldin expressed his disappointment that the Cardinals were unwilling to pay him what he thought he was worth. Despite racking up over 400 receptions, 5,000 yards close to 30 touchdowns over the course of his career, the team wanted him to honor the rest of his contract (which runs through 2010).
The season isn’t over, but Boldin has already proved his worth and then some. Despite missing two games due to a nasal/jaw injury, he leads all NFL receivers with 10 touchdown receptions (four more than any other wideout in the league) and continues to be the backbone of Arizona’s explosive passing game. (No offense to Kurt Warner or Larry Fitzgerald.)
Most players who feel underpaid would hold out until their team eventually gave in and paid them. After throwing a stink in the offseason that he wanted to be traded, Boldin eventually said that he would shut his mouth and play because he didn’t want to hurt the team. He’s done that. Now the Cardinals should honor him by paying him what he wants. He’s that good.
The Cards have a rare commodity in Boldin – a consistent receiver who makes plays and rarely lets the team down. They overpaid a couple of seasons ago for Edgerrin James, who isn’t even starting now. The least they could do is pay a guy who actually deserves it and who continues to be one of the best playmakers in the league.
