2017 NFL Free Agency: Could Anquan Boldin Provide Veteran Leadership For Rams?

When it comes to upcoming free agents to keep an eye on, Anquan Boldin may be a name for the Los Angeles Rams to target.

The Los Angeles Rams have plenty of areas in need of improvement this offseason if they’re going to have any chance of bouncing back from last year’s disastrous 4-12 finish, but nothing will be more important than addressing their issues at wide receiver. At the moment, all signs point to Kenny Britt, who became the team’s first 1,000-yard receiver since 2007 last season, ending up with a different team once free agency gets underway, and if that does end up happening, the Rams may want to consider bringing Anquan Boldin on board.

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Even if he’s far from the long-term answer for the team, Boldin would not only provide Jared Goff with an actual reliable weapon to work with in the passing game, but his veteran leadership could help turn around an offense that only averaged 14 points per game in 2016. Boldin may be turning 37 in October, but keep in mind he started all 16 games for the Detroit Lions last year, and managed to find the end zone eight times.

If Boldin can still be this effective at this age, there’s every reason to believe he would be a great addition for Los Angeles, although convincing him to join the team would be a difficult task. Between last year’s tough disappointing finish along with a new coaching staff led by Sean McVay, there’s a good chance the Rams will be dealing with a few growing pains heading into next season, and will seem like a long shot to win the division title.

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Then again, Los Angeles did put together some impressive performances at the beginning of last year, and seems to have a defense led by Aaron Donald that could become one of the best in the league. And if that does end up happening, maybe the presence of a veteran like Boldin on offense is just what the Rams need to help Goff reach the next level.

Of course, Boldin could easily decide to take the opposite approach and retire since he already has a Super Bowl ring, but if he does make himself available, Los Angeles would be wise to at least consider the possibility.