Wide receiver Anquan Boldin said he would retire if released by the Baltimore Ravens. Well, it looks like he'll either take a pay cut or hang up the cleats.
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The Ravens have asked Boldin to reduce his $6 million base salary. He'll be released if he declines, according to FoxSports.com's Alex Marvez. Boldin counts $7.5 million against the cap.
There's not much optimism, as sources told the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson: "Unless something dramatic happens, it's an absolute done deal that Anquan will be released."
Boldin has been a perfect fit in Baltimore. He's been the sure-handed, crisp route-running complement to Torrey Smith's deep threat. Boldin caught six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl and had 65 receptions for 921 yards and four touchdowns during the regular season.
The Ravens are working for cap room, but the three-time Pro Bowl selection might have the strongest hands in the league -- even at 32 years old. The offense will miss Boldin if an agreement isn't reached. Jacoby Jones is next on the depth chart.
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It's hard to imagine that Boldin would actually retire, considering he would be a legit top-two receiver on most teams.
UPDATE: Boldin told USA Today on Saturday that he "loves" the Ravens, but said he doesn't want to take a pay cut.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
