PAHOKEE, Fla. -- For the first time in his career, Anquan Boldin is a free agent. But he's in no rush to sign a contract with a new team -- yet.
That might seem odd since at 35 he's on the downside of his career, and you would think he'd want to lock up a deal to know his future after spending the past three seasons in San Francisco. Boldin isn't worried. He's already visited the Redskins, and he has a few other teams lined up for his services.
For now, he's enjoying his time off with his family and doing work for the Anquan Boldin Foundation. He was just honored as the 2015 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, which is annually presented to a player for excellence on the field who also makes an impact in the community.
He's not ready for retirement, and he knows he can still play. He continues to work out with NFL trainer Tony Villani at XPE Sports in South Florida, and he'll be ready when the right opportunity presents itself. When Boldin had the final three years of his contract with the 49ers voided in February, he had one thing on his mind -- play for a winner.
"I'm taking my time right now," Boldin said. "It's the first time in 13 years I've been a free agent, so I get to pick where I want to go now. I'm definitely going to take my time and make the best decision for me and my family."
Last season was rough for Boldin. He battled injuries and had to deal with the inconsistent quarterback combination of Colin Kaepernick and Blane Gabbert. The result was a lackluster performance of 69 catches for 789 yards and four touchdowns, but he averaged 84 catches, 1,121 yards and six touchdowns the previous two seasons. For his career, Boldin is 12th all-time in receptions (1,009), 17th in receiving yards (13,195) and 33rd in touchdowns (74).
There was a lot of dysfunction in San Francisco last season, from Jim Harbaugh being replaced by longtime assistant Jim Tomsula to several players unexpectedly retiring (Patrick Willis, Chris Borland and Anthony Davis). Boldin said the team seemed destined to fail from the start, and the 49ers finished 5-11 in 2015.
"Just because of all the outside distractions, things that had nothing to do with football," he said. "The game of football is hard enough, and when you throw that in it makes it almost impossible to win. It was real frustrating last year. That's one of the things that motivates you is when you have a year like that you want to come back and make the following year that much better."
Boldin did say he hopes Kaepernick can turn his career around. It looks like Kaepernick will remain with the 49ers, but there's still speculation he can be traded to the Broncos.
"Will it work out in San Francisco? I'm not sure," Boldin said. "Whenever you hit adversity you can go one way or the other. I hope for him he continues to work his butt off and try to get back on track."
No one has to question if Boldin is working his butt off -- on and off the field. He remains dedicated to his craft, but he's also highly motivated by his philanthropic work for his foundation, which was established in 2004 with the mission to expand the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged children. So far the foundation has awarded 13 four-year scholarships, including five $10,000 academic scholarships last fall. The foundation also does Thanksgiving food drives, which offers 300 meals annually.
Boldin just finished his 12th annual Q-Fest in his hometown of Pahokee to raise money for his foundation, and the guest list of current and former players to support his cause is always impressive. This year, Larry Fitzgerald, Jameis Winston, Mark Ingram, Warren Sapp, Sterling Sharpe and Edgerrin James were in attendance, among many others.
Winston said he's inspired by Boldin, especially since both attended Florida State before making it to the NFL.
"It's great to see other people doing great things," Winston said. "I'm hopeful I can learn some things from him and be able to run a foundation like this one day."
Browns quarterback Josh McCown, who is a regular participant at Q-Fest, said Boldin was definitely deserving of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
"It just underscores what a worthy cause this is," McCown said. "To see these smiling kids and to know that Anquan plays a big part in why they are smiling is a real blessing. It's very humbling to be out here for him."
Boldin is just happy to do his part. He's also made it a point to do charitable events in every city where he has played, including Phoenix, Baltimore and San Francisco. And unless he signs with one of those teams again, he will add another franchise to his resume -- and another place to donate his time.
His career isn't over yet, but his next destination remains undecided. And wherever he plays he should provide a positive influence on and off the field.
Possible destinations for Boldin
Boldin said his goal is to play for a team that has a chance to win, and he has already visited the Redskins, who won the NFC East last season. Along with the Redskins, here are five other teams that could use Boldin and also have the chance to be competitive for a Super Bowl.
Patriots: New England signed Chris Hogan and Nate Washington this offseason, but another receiver like Boldin wouldn't hurt. He could easily replace Danny Amendola on the roster and play outside as well as the slot. He doesn't help New England's need for speed at the position, but Boldin would be a welcomed weapon for Tom Brady and a reliable player for Bill Belichick. And competing for a Super Bowl is something the Patriots do each year.
Bengals: This scenario makes too much sense. Boldin fixes the Bengals' need for a receiver on the field after Marvin Jones (Detroit) and Mohamed Sanu (Atlanta) left as free agents, and he would be an upgrade in the locker room after what happened last year with Vontaze Burfict and Adam Jones when the Bengals unraveled on the field in the playoff loss against the Steelers. He would be a great possession receiver opposite A.J. Green.
Cowboys: The Cowboys should be considered the favorite in the NFC East with Tony Romo and Dez Bryant coming back from injuries at 100 percent, and they could use help at receiver. Terrance Williams still has potential as a starter, but Boldin would be an upgrade over Cole Beasley as the No. 3 receiver and play in the slot. He's also a good blocker for a receiver, and he would help the Cowboys run game as well in that regard.
Chiefs: Kansas City could be poised to overtake Denver in the AFC West now that the Broncos have serious questions at quarterback, but the Chiefs still need to find another threat in the passing game. And Boldin would be an excellent complement to Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce. His stats would clearly take a downturn playing with Alex Smith, but the Chiefs should make a playoff run this year now that the division is wide open.
Giants: The Giants might not seem like a playoff contender, but they also could surprise people after a busy offseason. And adding another receiver is a must, if not two of them. Odell Beckham can only do so much, and Victor Cruz hasn't played since 2014. Boldin could start for the Giants and be a solid weapon for Eli Manning. Oakland, Atlanta and Minnesota could also be options for Boldin.
