Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has only ever called the NFL's desert dwelling team home during his Hall of Fame-worthy, 11-year career.
He's slated to make $16 million next season, though - a number team president Michael Bidwill said must come down - and his usual fantastic output dimmed somewhat last year.
But still, both sides have stated they'd like to see him finish up his professional career with the Cardinals, something most in and around the NFL assume will happen.
Only, Bidwill, speaking recently to Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, per Pro Football Talk, made some comments that indicate Fitzgerald may not be as willing to restructure as previously thought.
"Well, I think, immediately, we've got to address Larry Fitzgerald's contract," Bidwill said. "We've talked about that. We've been working hard on trying to make sure that he's got a contract that compensates him appropriately. I think Steve [Keim] and his group have been doing a great job, [including director of football administration] Mike Disner. But, it takes two to come to an agreement. So, I think that's the first order of business."
While Fitzgerald's base salary is $16 million, he's set to count $23.6 million against the cap - an exorbitant sum for any player, let alone a wide receiver on the downswing of his career.
So, it's not surprise that Bidwill has placed such an emphasis on rectifying the situation.
But there is another reason Bidwill views Fitzgerald's restructuring as so important - he'd like to be able to make impact moves once free agency starts.
"Free agency is going to be big for us," said Bidwill. "We've got to get the contract restructured with Fitz, because look at what we did last year in free agency with one significant signing, took care of that left tackle with Jared Veldheer, who did a tremendous job, and that's the kind of impact we want to have this year in free agency."
Behind the efforts of head coach Bruce Arians and GM Steve Keim, the Cardinals have become one of the strongest teams in the NFC.
If they're to take another step forward next season, they'll need to see the return to health of quarterback Carson Palmer, Fitzgerald's cap number lowered and perhaps a significant addition or two in the offseason.
