The Arizona Cardinals and Larry Fitzgerald are trying to work out a new contract agreement into 2015 and while reports have the two sides moving in a positive direction, the release or trade of Fitzgerald could be coming this offseason according to rumors and if that happens, teams like the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders could be interested in acquiring the wideout.
Fitzgerald is one of the best players of his generation, but at 31 years old his contract is too big for the Cardinals to handle on the salary cap. According to Fox Sports Arizona, the two sides have been talking about a new agreement on a restructuring of Fitzgerald's contract, but so far no deal has been set. Fitzgerald is going to be a $20 million-plus cap hit for the Cardinals this year and while he is a great receiver, his production has slowed over the past three seasons.
Fitzgerald is making over $16 million in salary and that simply is too much for one player at his age, especially with the Cardinals coming off of a winning season. The team has over 10 free agents and signing back some of those players means money coming from other areas, including Fitzgerald. The wideout restricted his deal last year and helped the Cards free up money and he may not want to do that again this year. Fitzgerald would be a major target on the free agent market for teams, including the Patriots and Oakland Raiders.
Before the reports came out of "positive movement" between the two sides, Fox Sports Arizona reported that sources close to Fitzgerald said that the wide receiver expected to elsewhere in 2015. Pro Football Talk wrote about the potential of Fitzgerald moving on, writing that he could be a trade target, but it's more likely that he will be released due to the fact that his contract is so big. According to ESPN Boston, the New England Patriots will have heavy interest in Fitzgerald if he is released, as they are expected to cut Danny Amendola once the season ends.
Fitzgerald was on NBCSN this week and spoke about the Cardinals in the past tense, but he said that the two sides are working on his contract and that he hoped to "address it here in the near future." Things do not sound great between the two sides, but until a deal is done or Fitzgerald is released, there will be some uncertainty regarding his future. G.M. Steve Keim has said that the team wants to keep Fitzgerald and that he won't be released, but that also could mean a trade is possible.
Fitzgerald reportedly was not happy with the way he has been used in the offense for the Cardinals over the past couple years and that could be part of the decision he makes on whether to restructure or not. Fitzgerald put up just 63 catches this season and while that was tops for the Cards, it was his lowest output since back in 2006 when he had 68 catches. Fitzgerald also had a career low two touchdown receptions this season and he has not been over 1000 yards in four years, last doing it in the 2011 season.
