San Francisco acquired Anquan Boldin from Baltimore for a…
San Francisco acquired Anquan Boldin from Baltimore for a sixth-round pick immediately after Boldin helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII. He became the 49ers’ leading receiver in 2013 with 85 catches, 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns, then re-signed and remained productive for two more seasons. Baltimore’s pick No. 199 was moved in another draft trade. The enormous difference in direct team value makes this a decisive 49ers win.
Baltimore Ravens Received
- pick 2013 6th round pick (199th overall subsequently traded, Theo Riddick )
San Francisco 49ers Received
- player Anquan Boldin
Trade Analysis
Why the Deal Happened
Baltimore had just won Super Bowl XLVII, but contract and cap considerations pushed the Ravens toward moving Anquan Boldin. San Francisco needed another physical, dependable target and acquired him for only a 2013 sixth-round pick, No. 199. The price was strikingly small for a receiver who had just been central to a championship run.
What Each Side Received
Boldin immediately became one of San Francisco’s most important offensive players. In 2013 he caught 85 passes for 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns, leading the 49ers in receiving. His production and leadership convinced the club to sign him to another two-year agreement. Baltimore received the sixth-round selection and later included that pick in additional draft maneuvering.
How the Return Aged
The value gap widened because Boldin was not merely a one-season rental. He remained a productive starter through 2015, topping 1,000 receiving yards again in 2014 and giving San Francisco a reliable possession target during a period of offensive transition. Baltimore never created an equivalent asset from the modest pick return.
Why the Margin Matters
The Ravens had understandable financial reasons for acting, but trade grades measure what each franchise actually received. San Francisco acquired a proven veteran at a price normally associated with a depth player. Boldin’s first season alone comfortably exceeded the value expected from a late sixth-round pick.
Final Verdict
San Francisco 49ers Win. The 49ers earn an A for landing multiple seasons of high-level receiver production for minimal draft capital. Baltimore receives a D because the sixth-round return was far below the football value Boldin delivered immediately and over the next three seasons.