NFL Network's Rand Getlin reported today that the 49ers' leading receiver in 2015 wants to play for a team that can "compete at the highest level." Does he consider the 49ers that type of team? Probably not.
The 49ers will be heading into their second straight season with a new head coach at the helm. Boldin, who is still performing at a high level considering the offensive disfunction that plagued the 49ers last season, is entering the twilight of his career. He will be 36 years old in October. The 49ers are likely not close to being a contender and are more likely in a rebuilding mode. If Boldin wants to finish his career for a contender, he may already have one foot out the door.
Boldin, who is the reigning NFL Man of the Year, was instrumental in bringing in free agent WR Torrey Smith, who looks to be more involved in 2016 than he was in 2015. It was reported in late January that Boldin and the 49ers had not had discussions about bringing him back to San Francisco and the team may be willing to look to the future as well. That future appears to not include Boldin.
Of course, it is possible that the 49ers are simply allowing Boldin to test the market and see what kind of demand there is for his services. If that demand is limited, they may try to bring him back at a reduced cost. The strategy has both worked and failed for the 49ers in the past.
In 2015, Boldin had 69 receptions for 789 yards and four touchdowns. That was the fewest receiving yards he has had since 2004 with the Arizona Cardinals, which was his second year in the league. Of course, those numbers were still enough to lead the team in receiving. Boldin had surpassed 1,000 yards (1,062 in 2014 and 1,179 in 2013) in each of his previous two seasons with San Francisco.
Boldin ranks 17th all-time in receiving yards with 13,195 and is 12th all-time in receptions with 1,009. He is 35 years old and will turn 36 in October.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers injury news: Kyle Shanahan provides 3 key updates after win over Raiders
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after Thursday night's 18-12 preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, providing three key injury updates from the game. Rookie cornerback Ephesians Prysock, a fourth-round pick in the 2026... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan shifts focus to regular season: "It's going to get real, real fast"
The 2026 NFL preseason is in the books, and the San Francisco 49ers finished their exhibition schedule with an 18-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, the focus shifts to the regular season, with San Francisco set to face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, in Week... -
49ers reach injury settlement with veteran running back
According to the NFL transaction report, the San Francisco 49ers have reached an injury settlement with veteran running back Patrick Taylor Jr., removing him from the team's injured reserve list. Taylor was placed on injured reserve on August 20 with an adductor injury. He... -
49ers Rookie Kaelon Black Has Chance to Seize RB2 Role Against Chargers
Many starters are in line to play tonight for the San Francisco 49ers as they take the field for their second preseason game, this time against the Los Angeles Chargers. Running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Mike Evans are both dealing with tightness, while tight...