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Bob Haynie: The Ravens Will Overcome The Loss Of Boldin

Cincinnati Bengals v Baltimore Ravens
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The Ravens Will Overcome The Loss Of Boldin

As I am saddened to see that the Baltimore Ravens have traded WR Anquan Boldin to their Super Bowl rival San Francisco 49'ers, I also understand the harsh business of the National Football League.

Boldin wanted to be paid according to the terms of the contract he signed with the Ravens when he was traded here from the Arizona Cardinals in 2010.
The Ravens wanted to keep him in Baltimore, but at a reduced rate.

Boldin was due to make $6 million in base salary in 2013. The Ravens, according to the Baltimore Sun, wanted him to take a $2 million pay cut.
Obviously, the two sides came to an impasse. Because of that impasse, Boldin was traded to the 49'ers for a sixth-round draft pick.

I have said many times that Anquan Boldin should stay a Raven. His performance in the playoffs was memorable and Joe Flacco himself gave Boldin credit for helping Joe get that $120.6 million contract last week.

Unfortunately, Boldin staying in Baltimore was not meant to be.

While a lot of us are upset, please understand that the Baltimore Ravens are one of the top franchises in professional sports for a reason.

The Ravens, knowing that Boldin would not take a pay reduction, were going to cut him. Even though the other NFL teams knew this, they were still able to get a draft pick in return.

Sure, it's only a sixth-round pick, but we have seen some success stories out of that round (Tom Brady).

Let's also remember, that Dannell Ellerbe, Baltimore's highly sought-after, free-agent linebacker, was undrafted.

So, you never know what could happen there.

Because of the NFL's salary cap, we have seen the Ravens have to part ways with other productive--and popular--players in the past.

Has that prevented them from being a playoff mainstay?

No. It hasn't.

Led by GM Ozzie Newsome, Ravens have always found a way to replace players that were thought to be irreplaceable.

Is there an in-house replacement for Boldin at this time? Who knows. Tandon Doss may be that guy. We will find out. The Ravens could also pursue a free-agent WR from another team.

And there is the upcoming NFL Draft.

My point is, even though you are probably upset with the fact that Anquan Boldin has left "The Nest", be reassured with the fact that the Baltimore Ravens are not clueless.

I'm sure they have a plan to replace Boldin.

A good plan, at that.

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