The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Boldin could soon be looking for work as an NFL free agent, contrary to a previous statement by the receiver that he would retire rather than join another team. Boldin has rejected a Ravens proposal to reduce his salary, and is preparing to become an unrestricted free agent if released, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

Diehards Line:Boldin, 32, is entering the final year of a four-year contract and is due a $6 million base salary in 2013. According to USA Today's Jarrett Bell, Boldin won't budge to take a pay cut, as the Ravens try to maneuver under the $123 million salary cap before the start of the new league year on Tuesday. Boldin's cap number for 2013 is $7.531 million. "Once he's decided, you might as well try to move the Rock of Gibraltar," the person told Bell of Boldin. After the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII victory against the San Francisco 49ers, Boldin told NBC Sports Radio that he would retire if released by the Ravens. "I think he was trying to express loyalty to them," the person said of Boldin. "I know that he's hoping to stay with them, but he's willing to go someplace else. ..." Stay tuned.