Saints reportedly pushing hard to sign Anquan Boldin

The New Orleans Saints ranked first in the league last season with 5,205 total receiving yards, but apparently that’s still not good enough.

According to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com on Thursday, the Saints “are making the strongest push” to sign three-time Pro Bowl wideout Anquan Boldin. Their case is said to be bolstered by the presence of wide receivers coach John Morton, who coached Boldin in the same capacity during his time in San Francisco.

On FA WR Anquan Boldin: Source said #Saints are making the strongest push to sign him & he loves ex-#49ers, now NO's, WR coach John Morton

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2016

Boldin, 35, recorded 69 receptions for 789 yards and four touchdowns for the 49ers last season. While he has always been more of a possession receiver than a vertical threat, especially now in his advanced age, Boldin is a consistent, reliable target with good hands who might help add another dimension to the Saints’ aerial attack.

New Orleans needs to prioritize opportunities in the passing game for Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead, both of whom are coming off strong 2015 performances and, at just 22 and 23, could develop into truly special receivers. The Saints also drafted Ohio State wide receiver Michael Thomas in the second round of last April’s NFL Draft. But Boldin could prove to be a decent veteran depth signing for New Orleans, perhaps to fill the void left behind by the release of longtime Saint Marques Colston in February.

Image Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

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*Stats courtesy of ESPN*