1 last shot at Boldin; offer Greg Olsen

by MuleTrain on May 13, 2009 9:33 AM CDT Comment 78 comments

Anquan Boldin as a Bear has been tossed around ad nauseum. Lots of interest, little ammunition to get it done. Arizona wants a 1st rounder we don't have, plus more. So what could we offer of value to Arizona and what have the Bears' done that sends a signal to me that something could happen?

We signed Gaines to be a blocking TE. To most everyone this signals the end of the Kellen Davis era. Fontel Mines is also around, and he's a pass-catching TE that probably won't make the roster. Lots of folks have suggested that the Bears shop Dez Clark. But at 32 years old and league average or slightly above avg ability, he has little trade value.

What about Greg Olsen? Lots of talent, a young, playmaking, healthy TE. Oft-injured, malcontent Kellen Winslow Jr. got traded for a 2nd and future 5th rnd pick. I think Olsen is worth more. I like him and don't want to see him go, but you have to trade value to get value. Arizona has no production from their TE's. Leonard Pope had 9 catches all of last year. Ben Patrick had 11. Even if Arizona's offense doesn't feature the TE's, 20 receptions from your top 2 TE's is really pathetic. Is the low production because of the lack of a good TE or is it by design?

Let's look at their coach Ken Whisenhunt to find out. He was the Tight Ends coach (hmmmm, interesting) for Pittsburgh from '01-'03. He then became offensive coordinator. His TE's in '04 were Riemersma and Tumane who had a total of 16 catches all season...uh, oh. But in 2005, along came Heath Miller, a good TE. 39 receptions and 6 td's in '05 and 34 receptions and 5 td's in '06. So, given a good TE, Whisenhunt's offense does utilize him. Nothing prolific, but not an afterthought either. In his 1st season in Arizona, Pope had 23 recpts and 5 td's. But his production and that of the TE position went way down the following year, me thinks because he isn't very good.

Now, the Bears offer Olsen, one of our young receivers, plus a 3rd round pick for Boldin. Whisenhunt, a former TE coach, gets a real pass catching threat to work into his offense. An offense that will use a TE if they have one. Boldin is replaced by Breaston (77recpts, 1006yds, not too shabby) in the starting lineup, plus they get another young receiver to work in. They drafted Beanie Wells to be the featured back, plus they still have Hightower. That's a scary good balanced offense. What's not to like from Arizona's perspective?

From the Bears' perspective, well we get Boldin. A stud receiver to pair opposite Hester. Boldin, Dez Clark, K.Davis/F.Mines >>>> Bennett/Iglesias, Dez Clark, Olsen in my opinion.

The Bears have a glut of pass-catching TE's right now. Have they stocked up knowing that a TE is on his way out? Olsen is clearly the best of the group. Could he be the guy on his way out? Thoughts?

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I want Boldin too but...

there is no way I give up Olsen to make it happen. I understand we really don’t have alot to offer, I just wouldn’t give up Olsen.

Hear about the blind hooker, you gotta hand it to her.

by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on May 13, 2009 9:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

Boldin is what I want for The Bears, but not for Olsen. Dear God, he is one of the few first round success stories JA has. Arizona will not trade Boldin unless it is highway robbery. I fine with that for a QB, not a WR, even Boldin.

by rdent4hof on May 13, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not in a million years..

…would I be happy with this deal.

Forget Boldin.

by The Kaiser on May 13, 2009 10:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not going to lie

i suggested that about err 1 month ago in a separate post about Boldin (1 of the many) that we should give up Olsen too, but that’s because i was a lil chicken little about our WR woes and we havent had the draft yet. Now that all that transpired and i had to think about it i would take it back.

I think Olsen in our offense that we run is too valuable to be traded and not only that but i really believe he is going to be if not The best, Top 2 or 3 TE in the league in another year or 2. The guy just has too much talent and is so young. Sky is the limit for him.

by Chitownproduct on May 14, 2009 2:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well written.

I don’t like the idea, but good job on the FanPost.

Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.

by Dane Noble on May 13, 2009 10:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

suckhole

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pound sand.

by Dane Noble on May 13, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't tempt me as i will be in hawaii tomorrow

oh yeah.

actually not a huge fan of hawaii but going there for a wedding. just wanted to brag

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol...

Very nice. I hear the island ~~girls~~ drinks are quite nice down there.

by Dane Noble on May 13, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

see i was gonna wreck your comment

but you crossed it out….Wuss!

by Chitownproduct on May 14, 2009 2:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

with Mule. I would argue that a pass catching tight end and a question mark receiver and future pick are not as valuable to the Bears as a pro-bowl receiver is. I would also say that it is harder to find a receiver of that quality than a tight end as good as Olsen. If Olsen were Antonio Gates in his prime or something I wouldn’t be all for that scenario, but he isn’t and the Bears would definitely benefit more from a solid WR than a solid TE. Of course who is to say Olsen can’t be like Gates with Cutler under center, but I would say it is worth the risk.

by Qgee on May 13, 2009 10:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Olsen's Stock

has significantly shot up since the Cutler deal.Obviously,you would think Boldin over Olsen would be an upgrade,but Olsen seems to be full of potential,and is improving. .Along with Olsen’s seemingly good attitude about the team and game,I have to confess my man crush for him. I’d love to see Boldin in a Bear’s uniform,but not at the expense of Olsen. I have to believe that with Cutler under center,next year,big time reciever’s are going to be a little more interested in coming to Chicago than in year’s prior.

by IslandBoodler87 on May 13, 2009 11:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

YEAP!!

I got the same bromance for gregory olsen

by Bear Lovin 21 on May 14, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Olsen is more valuable than Boldin, for the Bears anyway.

And I believe we have our own Boldin in Devin Hester.

Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.

by Haightminow on May 13, 2009 11:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not even close.

Boldin is 6-1 & 217lbs. Hester is 5-11 & 190lbs. Boldin has 502 career receptions, 6,496 yds, and 40tds. Hester has 71 receptions for 964 yds and 5tds. Boldin is strong, good hands, and generally can run people over. Hester, eh, not so much. Boldin is a big time receiver. It’s got to hurt a little to get him. Olsen is a price I’m willing to pay.

by MuleTrain on May 13, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hester is going to be ridiculous good at WR... imo better than Boldin

I’d prefer not to trade Olsen. I would really like to see Olsen play some slot wr (if not him than who? definitely not a bears wr) and FB. Yes Olsen at FB! make it happen for 5-10 plays a game. Olsen, Hester and Forte should get as many touches as possible. Not only can all 3 move out to play wr, but also all 3 would cause opposing defenses to have fits if they moved around from the backfield to the outside and vice versa (possibly Olsen and hester backfield with forte out at wr with a LB likely covering him (or at least 1 of the 3).

olsen at fb… i think he gets more yards on the FB dive than mckie… and he has speed and hands to catch. he can block. desmond clark and the other TEs can play TE… maybe even dez clark at TE (btw both options proved incredibly successful in Madden with both going to the pro bowl as FBs in different franchises)

Hester does not run over people. true. that is not his thing. he simply runs by them.

by No It All on May 13, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

On paper your ideas sound fantastic,

but ONLY on paper and Madden. Moving Olsen all over the field would paralyze his progress(see DMS). On Madden or paper, I would take Hester over Boldin all day. In reality Boldin is a football player. Hester is a work in progress.

by rdent4hof on May 13, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

couldnt disagree more

i believe limiting Olsen’s role to a traditional TE role would be more detrimental than having him lineup occasionally as slot wr or fb.

Hester and his status as a WIP > Boldin

by No It All on May 13, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Olson

is in a traditional TE roll. He splits out wide, often used in motion, gets the Ball more often than many receivers and If all of that is considered traditional? I’m cool with it. I’m not sure he has the blocking ability to line up at FB, in order provide a respectable play fake. Now if I am wrong about his blocking and that part of his game has improved. I would find that idea very exciting.
As far as Boldin over Hester or the other way around. Yes, Hester could be great and greater than Boldin, but he’s not now and maybe he won’t be. With Cutler, he will get his chance. Ah hell!! Thanks again JA

by rdent4hof on May 13, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which makes me wonder why he isn’t being considered for more of the tough catches over the middle. Seems like an option, at least.

by Spongie on May 13, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i dont think you would line Olsen up at TE

so much to block but maybe as a way for him to get off the line clean. Or to put him in space with screens so he can use his speed. And even at that Forte has been very successfull in one back sets so if Olsen was back there to lead the way it would surely be better then Mckie.

"Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. "---George S. Halas

by Halas is God!!!!! on May 13, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You meant lining Olsen up @ FB?

by rdent4hof on May 13, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But if he is not in at FB to block,

teams will pick up on that very fast (like same game). He would have to provide some blocking from that position in order to use the alignment as an advantage. If Olsen is lined up at FB and he is known for not blocking at that position, I don’t see how that gives The Bears an advantage. Basically the opposing team would have a better idea of what is coming. Currently if he lines up in a two TE set, the opposing team is clueless as to how he will be used.

by rdent4hof on May 13, 2009 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am in full agreement with you

with the types of weapons we have a little creativity would go along way too bad our coaches have none.

"Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. "---George S. Halas

by Halas is God!!!!! on May 13, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please for Gods sake.....

Do not bring up Madden in a football discussion.

I've officially adopted #94 Marcus Harrison!

by scespy12 on May 13, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

haha +1

In Madden I had the Raiders as the #1 offense with Jamarcus Russell slingin it all over the field and mcfadden running guys over. They’re pretty much unstoppable in Madden, not so much in real life though.

"One time I went to a social gathering, I brought a bottle of Tanqueray and a shotgun and showed those motherf&#@ers the best time they ever had!"- Kenny Powers (Eastbound and Down)

"Why give 100% when 35 can still get you paid and laid."- Kenny Powers

by gridiron_assassin on May 14, 2009 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

It makes you look awfully silly.

by lookingdeadred on May 14, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All true

don’t forget unlike Hester, Boldin’s face has been shattered. I think Boldin would be great to have but I don’t like giving up Olsen to get him. I’m to the point where I’m over the whole Boldin thing. Let’s just see what Cutler does with what he has and not expend anymore than we need to the rest of this year. It’s been a pretty good offseason and I’d hate to see us sacrifice our future completly.

Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.

by Ditkavsworld on May 13, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh???

Good grief. Devin Hester isn’t even in the same area code of quality that Anquan Boldin is.

by BLou on May 13, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

seriously??????

Hester does not have half the talent of Boldin.

by lookingdeadred on May 14, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good thing your not running the team.

Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.

by Haightminow on May 13, 2009 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

meant to reply that.

Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.

by Haightminow on May 13, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doubt Olsen and a 2nd round pick would be enough

But it is intriguing nevertheless to consider.

by BLou on May 13, 2009 12:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I should break your legs for even mentioning Olsen and trade in the same sentence :)

In all seriousness, Olsen gives us an edge in the running game. Id rather have Olsen and the receivers we have right now rather than Boldin and Dez Clark.

Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!

by ifuwannacrownem on May 13, 2009 12:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

TE in Zona's scheme

is not sought after, that’s why Pope was terrible.

"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus

by propheteer on May 13, 2009 12:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pope is terrible,

so he isn’t used in Arizona’s scheme. Works the other way too. Whisenhunt is an ex-TE coach. He used Heath Miller effectively when he had him in Pittsburgh. Nothing prolific, but way above terrible and 9 receptions for the year. Olsen is better than Heath Miller. That’s why I like the idea and think Arizona should like it too.

by MuleTrain on May 13, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He is terrible

but it can also be said that Zona doesn’t really need a pass-catching TE either; they’re 4 receivers deep as of right now.

"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus

by propheteer on May 13, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

this place gets dumber by the second

just when i can’t imagine it happening BAM! we get this post.

and the follow up comments?

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 2:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Please explain

and use some facts and reasoning.

by MuleTrain on May 13, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

reason the 1st: Olsen + a third round pick gets you laughed at

reason the second is that people here in these comments think that Devin Hester is actually a good wide receiver, which he is not.

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yet.

by Dane Noble on May 13, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

never (at least as a #1)

devin hester does not have the playmaking skills to be #1 wr in this league. I think he could be a solid #2 and take pressure off a real #1 but the sheer presence of his speed.

he has suspect hands and is not big.

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never said he'd be a true #1...

but I agree with you that he could eventually (and possibly this year) become a solid #2.

by Dane Noble on May 13, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but like i said, it's his blazing speed that makes him the threat

he’s not really good out there. he just has to be respected because he can get behind the defense.

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Devin Hester is a dubious wide receiver right now

Right now his primary “skill” is drawing the yellow flag. But now that teams have more film to study they will defense him in different ways. So unless Hester significantly advances on his developmental curve I am worried about the production he may be able to provide at receiver going forward.

I like Hester. But it is naive to think he will ever graduate to the status of a true # 1 or # 2 type receiver in a pro set. Hence why I would like to see him used as a receiver on a limited basis and let him return to full time return duties.

by BLou on May 13, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

40mil =/= returner

by Dane Noble on May 13, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Overpaid returner with incredible skill at the position, or overpaid WR with “potential” at the position. I choose the former. If other receivers do develop better and deserve to be on the field more, it makes more sense to put them where they belong and put Hester where he is at his best. If he helps get the Bears more W’s as a returner than as a WR I don’t care how much money he is making. To me it comes down how the rookie WR’s do really.

by Qgee on May 13, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no. he has no "skill" at drawing hte yellow flag

he has a skill and it’s blazing speed. that speed causes the defense to mess up and have to knock him down from being open. that’s a huge weapon to have. but not as your #1.

he’s a perfect #2 because of the big play capability if you focus too much on a real #1.

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand you don't think he can become

a #1 WR, but I still think he can. We will definitely know after this season or maybe even half way through if he can be a true #1 WR. Remember, Orton wasn’t worth a shit or even close to accurate down the field. Hester aslo doesn’t have the excuse that he is still learning the position or the offense. With Cutler at the helm we will get an answere this year one way or the other. I think with Cutler, he can be that stand out #1 WR. Maybe I’m wrong, only time will tell. Enjoy Hawaii.

Hear about the blind hooker, you gotta hand it to her.

by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on May 13, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't bring up size when saying someone can't be a number 1 WR...

because all I have to do is say what about, Steve Smith, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver(when he was younger), Wes Welker, Lee Evans, Laveranues Coles, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Chris Chambers, Santonio Holmes, and Hines Ward.

Size certaintly helps WRs, but not being tall doesn’t automatically disqualify you from being good.

by chase17 on May 13, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

size is a huge factor and the best wide receivers are tall

of your list smith is great. holt is/was. bruce was. Homes looks good and Ward is good.

the rest are nothing special.

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really Greg Jennings and Wes Welker aren't great...

Excuse me, this might be a stupid question but, have you watched any NFL games in the past two year? I’m going to have to go with no, because of the sheer stupidity of that statement.

And saying Holt and Bruce were great is kinda against the point, I’m talking about when they were in their prime. Don’t make stupid quibbles to try and trach my argument.

by chase17 on May 13, 2009 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wes welker is not great

and take a look at the top 20 receivers from last year. @16 of them were 6’2" or taller.

by tempchad on May 14, 2009 2:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well..

Dwayne Jarrett, Mike Williams, D.J Hackett, Justin Gage, Chris Henry, Malcolm Floyd, Jerry Porter, Drew Carter, Reggie Williams, Justin McCarens, Ashley Lelie…

Your top 20 point is pointless. there’s Way more receivers in the NFL 6’2" or taller than receivers 5’11" and shorter. Need proof? Ask an NFL scout or load up a Madden roster.

Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!

by ifuwannacrownem on May 14, 2009 6:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so there are more receivers who are tall but that doesn't support my point?

think it through for a minute here.

if there are more receivers that are tall, that is because being tall is a attribute that is sought after.

see how that works?

by tempchad on May 14, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You said

and take a look at the top 20 receivers from last year. 16 of them were 6’2" or taller.

That’s not a fair comparison, seeing that there are more “tall” WRs in the NFL. does that automatically make them the best WRs? not really. I threw those names out because those guys were drafted or signed to a team because the fact that they are tall.

size is not a factor at the position. Tall wideouts may have an edge over smaller DB’s by being taller and stronger, but it Does not make them better than Smaller Wideouts who are shiftier and quicker.

Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!

by ifuwannacrownem on May 14, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wrong wrong and more wrong

talk to any scout. height is a very important part of the position.

it is not the end all be all. neither is speed. but the best overall are tall. They can make plays easier and can out reach and out jump the guys covering them.

the reason there is more tall wide receivers in the league is that it is a sought after trait.

by tempchad on May 14, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Once again, you fall off the topic. Try to keep up with me.

You are saying that the leagues best WRs are tall. I’m saying that size does not determine the best receivers in the league. You counter with “ask a scout, It’s a sought after trait”(which sounds nothing like your initial “The Best Wide Receivers are Tall” rant)

If it’s such a “sought after trait”, what’s with all the short WR’s in the league? Better yet, answer me this, why was jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, and Hakeem Nicks picked in the draft before Robiske, Massaquoi, Britt, Barden, and Patrick Turner?

Is it too soon to use the ’09 class as reference? OK lets use the ’08 class:

top 3 Rookie WR’s 1)Eddie Royal 5"10’ 2)DeSean Jackson 5"10’ 3)Donnie Avery 5"11’
If it was so “sought after” why did the Rams pick Donnie Avery over 6"3’ Devin Thomas, who was supposedly the best WR of that class?

Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!

by ifuwannacrownem on May 14, 2009 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

man its too bad that i've been out of town

you have no idea what you are talking about.

by tempchad on May 20, 2009 3:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Devin Hester does not have the play making skills.....?

You are a complete football ignoramus. Period.

Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.

by Haightminow on May 15, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Be nice. And don't take his comment out of the intended context.

devin hester does not have the playmaking skills to be #1 wr in this league

by Dane Noble on May 15, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Arizona would hang up the phone if the proposal was Olsen and a 3rd round pick.

by BLou on May 13, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh?

To bring some reality to this purely hypothetical situation, JA tried to offer a second round pick for Boldin, right?

by Qgee on May 13, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So "gets you laughed at" = fact

The Arizona GM called you and relayed this to you personally. What else did he say?

by MuleTrain on May 13, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he said that some guy with the internet handle "mule train" doesn't know

wft he’s talking about.

weird, right?

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So now you move on to personal attacks...all class.

Nice tactic. No facts on your part. No argument. Why don’t you try and convince us (those on this blog) that your opinion is correct. Lots of opinions here. I make an argument to get Boldin. Some disagree. Some do not want to part with Olsen. He’s better for the Bears. Some, like you, think Olsen & a pick is crazy and not enough. Please state your case. Why is your opinion the smart one, and the rest are, in your opinion, dumb?

by MuleTrain on May 13, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

easy answer here

Boldin>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Olsen

You see, a real #1 wr is far more important than a pass catching tight end.

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

However, Boldin, as great as he is, is not Larry Fitzgerald or Moss or A. Johnson. Boldin’s value around the league is seen as worthy of a mid to late-1st round pick. Arizona views him worth more since he obviously has not been traded. So what is Olsen’s value? 2 years ago he was late-first round material. Is he worth more or less now? I believe he has about the same value maybe a little less, but certainly less than Boldins. So I sweetened the pot with a player and a pick. Some here thought that was giving up too much, some think not enough. Jerry Angelo offered only a 2nd rounder for him. He’s not a total a$$ and he’s not dumb (he got Cutler as proof). He was turned down.

Boldin wants out, and AZ certainly is kicking the tires on getting him out. I simply made the argument that because Whisenhunt does in fact like TE’s and doesn’t have one at all, that Olsen could be and should be used to make every Bears fan dream come true—pairing Cutler with Boldin.

by MuleTrain on May 13, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

boldin is a top tier receiver

However, Boldin, as great as he is, is not Larry Fitzgerald or Moss or A. Johnson.

he’s in that league

by tempchad on May 13, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade value isn't just ability

Yes, #1 wr’s are way more valuable than TE’s. Boldin’s ability and talent are not the only things in play to set his trade value. He wants to get paid. He wants out of Arizona. Other teams know this. They offered less than what you value him because of these reasons. The Bears got a franchise QB who is in his mid-twenties. They got him at below market value because Denver’s management really wanted to dump him among other reasons. Is Arizona in the same spot that Denver is in? Not yet. But like Bezekira mentions below, maybe next offseason Arizona’s value on Boldin will be more in line with the rest of the league’s evaluation of him.

by MuleTrain on May 13, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From an Arizona Perspective..........

I’d be intrigued by the possibility to get Olsen. I’ll agree with most in saying that the Cardinals wouldn’t do it, but at this point I don’t think they’d trade Boldin for even a king’s ransom. Check back next February and we’ll talk though…..

Just to kick around this idea though….the first thing I’d do to tweak this “offer” is to scrap the WR. The last thing we need is another wide receiver, even if we do trade Boldin. So if we say ‘no thanks’ to the receiver and bump the third round pick to a second round pick, I’d be all for it. If the offer sticks at Olsen and a third, I’d have to know more about Olsen, most importantly can be block at all or is he just a really big slot receiver.

Oh and just to clear up the confusion on Leonard Pope, yes he’s terrible. He’s rarely healthy and when he is, he’s a penalty magnet and too tall to be any kind of effective blocker. The tight end position in general last year was plagued by injuries and to give you guys an idea of just how bad it got…..they signed a guy off the street who became the starter (and best tight end by far) in less than three weeks. Here’s a link to our post season look at the tight end position.

by Bezekira on May 13, 2009 3:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the input.

Olsen is a really good tight end and the arrow is definitely pointing up for him. He’s a capable blocker but not a mauler. He’s been very productive with 93 recepts for 965 yds and 7 tds in just 2 years, while splitting time with Dez Clark.

I see your point about not wanting/needing another receiver. Olsen and a 2nd would be OK with me, but I don’t think Jerry Angelo would do it. He’s already given up next year’s 1st, so I don’t think he’d go 2 years in a row with no 1st or 2nd even if it meant getting Boldin.

by MuleTrain on May 13, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Beer in one hand - brat in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride

by icarr0331 on May 13, 2009 4:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nope!! boldin is one of my favorite receivers but not for olsen

Is olsen a better threat NOW then boldin no but as said earlier he is one of our few first round success’s along with urlacher and harris jury is still out on williams. What he offers us almost no other tight end does ridculous height at 6’6 and he has wide out speed i think this year jay cutler and devin hester will make a great combo with the deep ball and in general and i have said from the get go olsen will be the center point of this offense and be our number one reciever and i would love boldin but olsen is too talented to let go. Honestly im pretty sure well sign plaxico granted he is not going to jail and suspended the whole year he still has alotta talent just take away the gun lol.

by Bear Lovin 21 on May 14, 2009 11:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not in this lifetime ....

Pass me some of that weed. Seriously. We finally draft a TE with promise, and the potential to be great, not just some serviceable, solid dude. Now we should give him to a team that could kill us using him in the playoffs AND a draft pick. For What ? Boldin ? Borrow from Peter to pay Paul ? No. We used draft material to get Cutler. if we somehow got Boldin it would be the greatest off-season in NFL history, we can’t and wouldn’t be allowed go over the top to get Boldin. Much as I’d like to see his name on the roster, you can’t give em blondie.

by Irish Bears Fan on May 15, 2009 3:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And on second thoughts ...

… who the frak is Anquan Boldin anyway ? Let’s look at his situation. Kurt Warner, possible future HOFer throws him the football. Larry Fitzgerald gets a little bit of attention from defensive backs on the other side of the field …. with his other friend Steve Breaston. Slot Hester, Bennett, Rideau, or Iglesias into that team and tell me no-one would perform. Olsen has not been serviced by a mobile gunslinger like The Cutter. He will EXPLODE this year. Just like the my beautiful Bears ………

by Irish Bears Fan on May 15, 2009 4:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs