Lost in the shuffle of the San Francisco 49ers search for a new head coach and a decision regarding the future of Colin Kaepernick, Anquan Boldin is hitting the free agent market. The wide receiver had an inconsistent season like all of the other receivers for the 49ers which hurts his resume, but Boldin is making it clear that he would love to return to San Francisco as he does not plan on calling it quits any time soon.
Boldin has stamped his stamped his place in history as it is only a matter time before he gets to the No.13 spot on the list for catches. The receiver has done everything he can for the 49ers franchise and he is not ready to call it quits just yet. Boldin told the media that even if San Francisco is not set up to win a championship next year, he would still like to return.
"I like it here," Boldin said, via the team's website. "I like the people here. The organization has been great to me. I love my teammates. I enjoy them. And I have roots here, a lot of relationships that I've built in this community. When we cross that bridge, we'll cross that bridge. ... No matter what age you are, you want to win a championship. That goes without saying. [But] it's deeper than that especially when you have been somewhere for a certain amount of years. You have roots."
If Boldin intends to return to the 49ers, he will likely have to take a pay cut. Given the receiver's age, the 49ers will not risk a long-term deal for Boldin, but he could get a two-year contract with incentives. The 49ers would be wise to bring the veteran back. Outside of Torrey Smith, the roster of receivers left a lot to be desired. Boldin represents veteran knowledge that could help lead a young group of players.
Right now, the 49ers will first set their focus on getting a head coach and then determining the future of the quarterback spot. According to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, there is a belief that Colin Kaepernick could survive the purge this offseason, but it is no guarantee. Blaine Gabbert is still under contract and is preparing to be a starter in 2016 with the 49ers.
"I'm going to compete. That's in my blood, that's who I am as a person," Gabbert said, via the team website. "I'm approaching this offseason like I'm the starting quarterback of the 49ers. Regardless of what happens, that's my mindset moving forward; that I'm going to take this team and run with it."
The 49ers must decide if Gabbert really has the ceiling to be the future of the franchise. The team could easily eye options in the draft including Jared Goff, Connor Cook or Carson Wentz who have all been deemed NFL-ready. The 49ers could easily start from scratch with a quarterback and move on completely.
