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BALTIMORE RAVENS
National Football League

Anquan Boldin rejects Ravens offer, bracing to test market

Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY Sports
Anquan Boldin hauls in a touchdown catch in the first quarter of the Ravens' Super Bowl victory.

Anquan Boldin could soon be looking for work as an NFL free agent, contrary to a previous statement by the Baltimore Ravens receiver that he would retire rather than join another team.

Boldin has rejected a Ravens proposal to reduce his salary and is preparing to become an unrestricted free agent if released, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because talks were ongoing.

Boldin, 32, is entering the final year of a four-year contract and is due a $6 million base salary in 2013. He won't budge to take a pay cut, as the Ravens try to maneuver under the $123 million salary cap before the start of the new league year on Tuesday.

Boldin's cap number for 2013 is $7.531 million, and the Ravens are trying to clear room to retain projected free agent linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, among other moves.

"Once he's decided, you might as well try to move the Rock of Gibraltar," the person told USA TODAY Sports of Boldin.

Boldin was not immediately available for comment.

After the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII victory against the San Francisco 49ers, Boldin told NBC Sports Radio that he would retire if released by the Ravens.

"I think he was trying to express loyalty to them," the person said of Boldin. "I know that he's hoping to stay with them, but he's willing to go someplace else."

The person said that the Ravens' proposal to the 10-year pro did not include an extension.

It's still possible that a deal could be struck before Tuesday. Even with receivers Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones in tow, losing Boldin would be a huge blow for the Ravens, who locked up Super Bowl MVP quarterback Joe Flacco with a record six-year, $120.6 million contract on Monday.

Boldin was crucial during the Ravens' postseason run, scoring four touchdowns and averaging 17.3 yards on his 22 receptions. During Super Bowl XLVII, Boldin made two huge third-down catches to set up a pair of fourth-quarter field goals.

During a news conference on Monday, Flacco said the structure and settlement of his contract raised his hopes that Boldin would be retained.

"He's a big part of this offense," Flacco said. "He's a big reason why I'm standing here talking to you guys."

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