I'm not sure of the timing or sequences of events, but apparently Seattle was also interested in Boldin. For a seventh round pick.

So was the Harvin deal really their second option? 

I guess ultimately these deals will be judged on future results. Will Harvin be that much better than Boldin in terms of value?  Will the three picks they gave up - including this year's first -  be worth the difference of signing Boldin for much less? Will Seattle's passing game be improved with Harvin more than the Niner's  will be with Boldin?

Obviously age and number of years  expected to be played factor in as well, but in today's NFL, you really can't look too far ahead. But I'm sure the Niners management have already factored in how long they want Boldin signed for and their longer term positional expectations. No doubt his contract expectations were already known and they made the deal fully informed.

Harvin obviously has more upside future potential in terms of what he might accomplish, but will it make that much difference the next season or two? At this stage, I think the Niner's are better off short term with the proven veteran. And not giving up as much in draft quantity or quality also is a plus for the longer term. Seattle losing that top pick might detract from their overall team progress in other ways.

I wonder how the whole equation played out. It seems Carroll was firm about not sweetening the pot for Boldin even a little. I guess they probably thought they could get him at minimum cost, but probably wanted longer term security with Harvin.

Carroll's a well known big time gambler, so hopefully some of his deals blow up in his face. Harvin will have to prove that he's committed to their team, stay injury free and deliver as expected. All Boldin has to do is have one of his typical career seasons.

BTW, the deal isn't official yet. Boldin is in Africa doing charity work, and will have to pass a physical when he returns. Ought not to be a problem.

Something else just came to mind.

This is the second year in a row the Niners signed a receiver from the team that had just knocked them out of the playoffs. Manningham the season before. First hand impressions in critical games must count for a lot.
  

Last Edited By: Arnold49 03/12/13 12:01 AM. Edited 3 times.