Larry Fitzgerald has been the face of the Arizona Cardinals since 2004, but his $18 million salary cap hit next season could force the organization's hand in dealing the 30-year-old wide receiver.
For the past couple of seasons Fitzgerald's production has dipped, largely because of shoddy quarterback play. This year, the Cardinals brought in Carson Palmer, who was expected to revive the dormant receiver's star potential. He's battled through hamstring injuries, though, and lacks explosiveness.
Through eight games Fitz has caught 36 passes for 470 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers are an improvement over last year's disastrous campaign, but still fall short of the expectations Fitzgerald has for himself.
At the age of 30, with a major cap hit coming, the Cardinals could be looking to move on. Fitzgerald acknowledged the possibility of being dealt from his first and only NFL home yesterday.
I come to work every day and just focus on how I can help the Arizona Cardinals and help my team win," the receiver said after a rousing home win against Atlanta. "If they decide to move me, that happens. I have no control over any of that. I just focus on what I can do to improve and help my team."
Dealing a superstar like Fitzgerald won't be easy. He is the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (796), receiving yards (10,835), and receiving touchdowns (81). Fitz's father Larry Sr. chimed in on the topic yesterday as well, saying his son loves life in Arizona.
"He likes living in Arizona and playing for the Cardinals," Larry Sr. said. "As long as that's the case, he's going to do his job. That's what he does."
If the Cardinals do decide to trade him, one possible destination could be the St. Louis Rams, who have struggled in the passing game for quite some time, and might be in position to draft a quarterback in this draft. Perhaps they'd like to pair a rookie passer with an elite veteran receiver? St. Louis also has a plethora of draft picks to include in a deal.
Another destination could be the Baltimore Ravens, who seem to be missing the physical presence of Anquan Boldin. The fit seems natural, but they let Boldin walk for financial reasons, so working Fitz in under the cap could be difficult.
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