The Arizona Cardinals are preparing for their battle in the NFL playoffs coming up, but certain players already have their eyes on the future and the upcoming offseason. Larry Fitzgerald is loving the Cardinals success this season, but understands that his time in Arizona could be coming to an end sooner rather than later. The franchise wide receiver is a heavy cap hit next season and with just a few seasons left in him, he is not predicting a return to Arizona in 2015.
Fitzgerald might be 31, but he is still one of the biggest offensive threats in the NFL. The wide receiver comes with a heavy price. Next season he will be a $23.6 million salary cap hit and the Cardinals are not thrilled over that. The wide receiver finished the regular season on a low note with just 63 catches for 784 yards and two touchdowns while Arizona has suffered their share of quarterback issues. Now, the wide receiver is uncertain if he will return to the organization he has played his entire career at.
According to FOX Sports' Craig Morgan, Fitzgerald does not expect to be back with Arizona in 2015. The veteran receiver told the media that the idea of playing for a different team next year has crossed his mind, but right now he is remaining focused on the playoffs.
"It has not crossed my mind," Fitzgerald said, via FOX Sports. "I'm in the midst of an opportunity that doesn't come too often, so all my energy and everything is focused on helping my team win."
If Fitzgerald does not return to Arizona, it is not because he was out-right released. ProFootballTalk.com reported that general manager Steve Keim will not cut the wide receiver despite his cap hit and will look to negotiate a restructured deal instead. Fitzgerald has made it clear he has no intentions of taking a pay cut, so could a trade be in the works instead?
Despite his age and low numbers this season, almost any team would jump to take Fitzgerald in a deal. Multiple teams need a No. 1 threat and could eye the receiver depending on the price. Fitzgerald will be picky in trade talks, likely only wanting to sign with a contender, but he will not have a choice in the matter. The Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers would make a move if Fitzgerald was available.
