Anquan Boldin promised that his retirement had nothing to do with the Buffalo Bills.

The wide receiver told SiriusXM that the events of Charlottesville prompted his retirement. The receiver seemed genuine about his intention to leave the game to do social advocacy work, but the timing was peculiar. Boldin's decision to retire came shortly after the Bills traded away Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby in separate deals and after he appeared in one sloppy preseason game.

Although Boldin claimed his retirement had nothing to do with the Bills, a report from Ben Volin of the Boston Globe says that Boldin is willing to play again this season for a more competitive team. According to Volin, Boldin has interest in coming out of retirement to play for the New England Patriots.

"In light of Edelman's injury, a league source said the Patriots and recently retired Anquan Boldin had mutual interest in bringing Boldin to New England this offseason, and he remains intrigued by the possibility," Volin said. "But the point is likely moot. Boldin signed with the Bills, and was placed on Buffalo's reserve/retired list Aug. 22. That means the Bills retain his rights, and they would need to release him in order to let him sign with the Patriots. That sort of cooperation from a division rival doesn't seem likely."

As Volin noted, any chance of Boldin returning to the field this year is unlikely. Buffalo holds Boldin's rights and it's doubtful that the Bills would be willing to do Boldin or the Patriots any favors this season.