Anquan Boldin expected back with 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to retain veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin as a free agent, according to NFL Network.

That's not a surprising development considering how well Boldin fit in last season in his first year.

The 49ers made the playoffs and Boldin caught 85 passes for 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns.

He was acquired via a trade from the Baltimore Ravens for a sixth-round draft pick.

Boldin, 33, remains a physical player who routinely makes contested catches.

The Ravens were unable to replace him adequately and missed the playoffs, finishing with an 8-8 record.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.