Anquan Boldin will be a 49er as soon as he comes back from Africa and passes a physical. He is an instant upgrade to the receiving core, but the need for a wide receiver isn't done yet. Boldin has a similar skill set to the team's leading receiver Michael Crabtree with good hands and a strong ability to catch the ball in traffic.
However, Boldin doesn't give the 49ers to a potential deep pass like Randy Moss possessed. The question is, who becomes that deep threat? Mario Manningham is a possibility, but he is coming off a torn ACL injury. Kyle Williams is also returning from an injury, but is more of a slot receiver. General manager Trent Baalke believes A.J. Jenkins is a capable of being an all-around receiver and posses the deep threat in the future. Jenkins has the speed to do it, but will he mature quickly for the 2013 season?
Boldin will become the second receiver supporting Crabtree and gives Colin Kaepernick another target to throw the ball to. He will provide adequate blocking for any plays down field if needed.
The 49ers stepped into a perfect situation with Boldin refusing to take a pay cut from the $6 million remaining on his contract. For a sixth round pick, it's an absolute steal to pickup a receiver who can still make plays and is only 32. The Ravens needed cap room and the 49ers took advantage by offering one of the many draft picks they have.
In the end, this trade is still a significant one by the 49ers. They gave up very little for a receiver entering his contract year with reasonable wages. With the receiving depth increased, there still could be room for one deep threat to join the roster. Will it be through the draft or in free agency?
Time will tell on what Baalke's next move is.
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