It's that time of year again when the Eagles are linked in trade rumors to every big name wide receiver who may or may not be available. It's common knowledge Boldin wants out of Arizona, and for all the posturing that's taking place right now with the Cardinals threatening to keep him, it seems unlikely they would choose to sit on a powder keg.
Good news for the Eagles, that is if they're interested, because we all know they have the firepower to go after the Pro Bowler. Several ESPN analysts have labeled them the front runners to acquire those services, including the likes of Chris Mortensen and most recently John Clayton (scroll down), who also considers the Giants in the hunt.
Now comes the hard part. Are the Eagles this serious about addressing wide receiver? Can they honestly afford to give up one of their first round picks while they have much greater needs on the offensive line and in the backfield? Those questions partially depend on whether they can acquire a certain left tackle in free agency, so all that aside, is Boldin a player they want?
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
What we know is he is the best catch-and-run receiver in the NFL, finishing first in the conference once again despite missing four games. Though he's not a burner, he plays a more physical brand of football than any of our current receivers. Despite his current issues with the Cards, he has been a leader in their locker room for years, so his most recent behavior shouldn't reflect as the true man.
Boldin's downsides are few. He'll be 29 next season, which typically isn't too bad, but he has a long history of injuries that goes all the way back to college. As mentioned, his physicality and sharp route running make up for his speed, however at 6'1" he's not one of those monsters who demands constant safety help and creates insane red zone problems, though he has done well for himself in that area.
The final consideration the Eagles must account for is the continued development of DeSean Jackson, by far the most explosive rookie receiver last season. 62 catches and 912 yards is nothing to scoff at, and he's looking to break through for more. He went on record last week that his goals for '09 are 60 catches, over 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns. If he manages that kind of production, along with perhaps another 1,000 yards from Curtis, is it really necessary to give up multiple picks for another set of hands?
Certainly you can never have too many great players, and with Boldin in the mix, that might be enough to open things up down the field for Jackson. But does he change how defenses gameplan the Eagles? Is he a big enough target in the red zone, and can McNabb deliver the ball accurately on a consistent enough basis for Boldin to have continued success running with the football?
News
Personally, I could take him or leave him. He clearly would help the Eagles, although that can be said of any team actually. With the asking price expected to be set at a first and a third, it's difficult to justify unless they do something first about the offensive line. Once that situation is resolved, they're free to take some gambles, and maybe this is one of them.