The Baltimore Ravens had just finished polishing up their Super Bowl Championship trophy when news of wide receiver Anquan Boldin being traded to the San Francisco 49ers came about. Boldin was acquired from the Ravens in exchange for a 2013 sixth-round draft pick, or as Jacoby Jones said “a couple of hot dogs and a monthly membership at Planet Fitness.”
With Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco becoming “elite,” his pay did the same when his six-year contract went for $120.6 million, naturally Boldin along with others had to take a pay cut.
Anquan did not accept the $2 million pay cut he was asked to take, Baltimore would release him unless something dramatic happened. Can you blame him for not accepting? He practically carried the Ravens’ season and was a big factor in post-season play. He only had four touchdowns in the season, but he racked up 921 yards, and when the pigskin was being thrown in his direction, you knew it was being caught.
The Ravens do have a solid wide receiver in Torrey Smith who has always been good on the field, but he definitely has some stepping up to do since Boldin is gone. The Ravens need to count on him to be a more complete player with running a wider arrange of routes. He was lucky enough to have been mentored by Anquan for a couple years, and having a Super Bowl ring on his finger now, he knows what his job entails.
Smith was held under 50 receptions in 16 starts last year, which is ok, but hopefully he can get more to add on to than that this season. Should not be a problem though, Flacco will definitely be tossing him the ball.
Let’s not forget about the Dancing with the Stars celebrity himself, Jacoby Jones who brings a lot to the guys in purple. He always brings a confidence to the team, and last year he had a ridiculous 1167 yards in kickoff returns, plus you got to see him shake it like a Polaroid picture in the end zone after a touchdown. He will be crucial along with Smith to maintain the offense that got them to the Super Bowl. It’s not impossible, but replacing Boldin will not be easy. The 49ers gained a great wide receiver, and all the Ravens can do is put faith in the coaching staff and Smith.