Boldin Still Wants Out

Last season, the Arizona Cardinals made it all the way to the Super Bowl. Since that time, they have lost their offensive coordinator, Todd Haley (now the head coach of the Chiefs), their starting quarterback flirted with free agency (and had hip surgery), and now one of their star receivers is officially on the trading block. Anquan Boldin wants out of Arizona and he's not shy about it.

Truth be told, Boldin wanted out way before the Super Bowl. In fact, he was discussing the possibility last summer; before the season even started. The Florida native and former Florida State Seminole wants to go home and play for the Miami Dolphins.

But, with two years left on his existing contract, he has had to wait on the Cardinals to make the decision regarding his future in Arizona. Its a tough decision. Boldin missed 4 games last season (recovery from severe blow to face; nagging hip injury). He still managed to nab 89 receptions, 1038 yards, and 11 touchdowns.

Productivity has never been a problem for Boldin. His attitude, on the other hand, has gotten in his way at times. The sight of Boldin getting into a heated shouting match with Offensive Coordinator Haley during the playoffs put him in a bad light. His team was on its way to winning the biggest game in the history of the franchise and advance to the NFC Championship game. Instead of cheering on his team or even appearing ready to enter the game, Boldin appeared to instigate an exchange with Haley, which prompted the Coordinator to yell at Boldin and dismiss him altogether in an attempt to coach his driving offense.

So now the Cardinals are at an impasse. They do have one of the best wideouts in the game in Larry Fitzgerald, but Boldin brings balance and is always a continued threat when on the field. Fitzgerald's new contract is mammoth compared to Boldin's and the Cardinals have acknowledged that. But, Boldin wants more than they are willing to give; perhaps because he is simply not happy being a Cardinal. Arizona wants huge compensation. They are looking for a similar trade deal that was made between the Lions and Dallas during last season for wideout Roy Williams. Dallas gave up a 1st, 3rd, and 6th round pick in this year's draft to obtain Williams. Teams that have shown interest are: the Ravens, Eagles, and Giants. If the trade does happen, the Cardinals will want Boldin out of the NFC.

After all of this, the Cardinals still want to work out a way to keep Boldin in Arizona. In fact, Warner initiated such talks in his own contract negotiations, stipulating that the Cardinals find a way to keep Boldin on the roster. Also, Larry Fitzgerald has indicated that he would be willing to do whatever it takes to keep Boldin on the team; maybe even restructure his own contract. But, when a player wants off a team, it is very difficult to bring together all of the elements in place that would be needed to change his mind. Just ask the Denver Broncos and Jay Cutler.