WR Boldin says he’s joining Lions

Anquan Boldin is joining the Detroit Lions, according to messages on the free-agent receiver’s Twitter account on July 26.

“This coming season, I am excited to announce that I have chosen to play for the Lions and reunite with Coach Caldwell for another run,” Boldin tweeted.

Boldin played the past three seasons for the San Francisco 49ers, but prior to that he was with Baltimore for three seasons. In Boldin’s final season with the Ravens, they won the Super Bowl with Jim Caldwell as offensive coordinator. Caldwell is now the coach of the Lions.

“The Lions are a great young team that I hope I can help lead back to the playoffs with a goal of a championship for my new fans in Detroit,” Boldin tweeted.

ESPN, citing unidentified sources, reported earlier Tuesday that Boldin and the Lions were finalizing a oneyear deal. Boldin caught 69 passes for 789 yards and four touchdowns last season for the 49ers. The Lions have had to add to their receiving group this offseason, with Calvin Johnson now retired. being diagnosed with a concussion. The move was a surprise because Varga had participated in all of the Colts’ offseason workouts after deciding to continue his career.

Coach Chuck Pagano was not available to take questions when the Colts reported to training camp at Anderson University, a Division III school about 30 miles northeast of team headquarters. Indy will hold its first practice Wednesday.

The All-Pro Mathieu is returning from surgery to repair a torn ACL and Bethel, in competition for a starting cornerback job, is coming back from surgery to repair a fractured left foot. Also placed on the PUP list by Arizona were defensive lineman Frostee Rucker (foot) and linebacker Zack Wagenmann (foot).