Browns Need To Sign Anquan Boldin As A Veteran Presence
By Ryan Rosko
Adding another wide receiver to the Cleveland Browns wide receiving corps adds to their depth which may not be the best thing to do. However, a very successful veteran is still needed.
For some time now on this website, the breakdown of the Cleveland Browns wide receiver position has been discussed in multiple ways and to various degrees. As we wait for the Browns’ training camp to get here, a key change still needs to be made.
Cleveland will be relying mainly on rookie and third year wideouts. That is not a good thing.
Andrew Hawkins is still on the roster, who is the most successful of the wide receivers, but he is also the smallest at 5’7. Hawkins can help the other players at his position but only so much.
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He also does not have the resume that head coach Hue Jackson would like to see his most successful WR have.
Hawkins is a solid vet to learn from but there is an available upgrade in free agent Anquan Boldin. The reality is that there is already 11 wide receivers on the roster.
One more will not hurt and cuts will eventually be made anyways. Besides, Boldin has the playoff and Super Bowl experience, along with the strong work ethic that would benefit the young Browns wideouts.
Despite Boldin’s age (35, will turn 36 during the season), his production has not shown his age. Remember, Boldin did play for the San Francisco 49ers the last three seasons which impacted his stats.
Had Boldin played with a team with a more established quarterback, his statistics would likely be even better. Over the last three seasons, Boldin has 237 receptions for 3,030 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Those numbers are very impressive regardless of the players age.
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Given the wide receivers the Browns currently have, there is potential, but there is also room to possibly speed up the learning aspect. Like Hawkins, coaches can only do so much and that is why players like Boldin, along with in-game reps are so important.
Boldin would not be the first wide receiver listed on the Browns depth chart. However, he still plays very well,would be one of the tallest Browns wide receivers, and would have a crucial role in the offense.
I like the “what could be” aspect of the Browns wide receivers. On the other hand, I do not want to see Cleveland going into this season with the limited amount of successful veteran wide receivers.
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Not to mention relying on just rookies or veterans like Taylor Gabriel, Marlon Moore, and Terrelle Pryor. Signing Boldin would be the equivalent to the success and impact Cleveland Indians Mike Napoli has had on the team.