Graves downplays Boldin trade talk

PHOENIX — Arizona Cardinals general manager Rod Graves has denied a flurry of trade rumors regarding wide receiver Anquan Boldin on the eve of Saturday’s NFL draft.

“I’ll just say the reports today are erroneous,” Graves told The Associated Press late Friday. “We have not received any offers today with respect of Anquan.”

Graves said the team received an offer Thursday “and it’s nothing we were thinking about seriously.” He declined to identify the team that made the offer.

The disgruntled Boldin wants a new contract and, at the start of last year’s training camp, accused the team of reneging on a promise for a new deal. At that time, he said he would never re-sign with Arizona, although his position seems to have softened since he helped the Cardinals reach the Super Bowl.

“Our position is still the same,” Graves said. “That is we expect at some point we’re going to sit down with him and talk with him about an extension.”

Potential trades linking Boldin with numerous teams have been rumored since the Cardinals announced earlier this month that the would listen to offers for the three-time Pro Bowler.

Graves denied a report that the Cardinals had lowered their demands.

“We’ve never stated any demands,” Graves said, “so I’m not sure how you can lower it from there.”

Asked if it was more likely than not that Boldin would be with Arizona next season, Graves said, “We’ll see how things go tomorrow, but that’s my expectation.”

Boldin has two years left his four-year, $22.25 million contract. He made $4 million last season. By comparison, teammate and fellow Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald is in the second year of a four-year, $40 million with $30 million guaranteed.

The Cardinals want to address contracts for linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Adrian Wilson before turning their attention to Boldin. Because of salary cap issues, Boldin might not get his chance until 2010.

Fitzgerald said Friday that he doesn’t believe Boldin wants to leave Arizona.

“I don’t think he really wants to go,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s been out there six years. His family is comfortable; his son is in school. There’s a lot of things that I think will be conducive for him to stay.

“But this is a business. You never know what’s going to happen.”

The Cardinals have the 31st pick in Saturday’s draft.