Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

It was reported earlier this offseason that the Baltimore Ravens were looking to sign receiver Anquan Boldin to a contract extension in order to reduce his salary cap number. As it stands, Boldin would make $7.5 million in 2013, and the Ravens may be forced to cut Boldin if he doesn’t agree to a contract that would reduce his salary.

Now, it appears they’ve opted to trade him to rid themselves of his salary:

Anquan Boldin traded to 49ers for a sixth-round pick — Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) March 11, 2013

Nice counter by the 49ers in light of the Seahawks’ trade for Percy Harvin.

Boldin previously said that if the Ravens cut him, he would retire this offseason, at the age of 32 and coming off his best season as a Raven. He has 772 career receptions for 10,165 yards and 58 touchdowns. It would be unfortunate to see a potential hall-of-famer call it quits over a contract dispute, but it looks as though his career will continue.