Everyone is saying all of the right things in Arizona. Team president Michael Bidwill has towed the company line. General manager Steve Keim has expressed optimism and enthusiasm. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has repeated his desires. All parties involved have said publicly that they want this professional relationship to continue next season. But can it?
You see, Fitzgerald is scheduled to count $23.6 million against the salary cap next season. That number would be pretty astronomical for any non-Super Bowl-winning quarterback, let alone an aging receiver who is coming off a season of career lows. Although nothing is definite at this point, if Fitzgerald refuses to restructure his deal, it's possible that Arizona could show him the door.
If that were to happen, which teams would be willing to scoop him up?
Dan Bickley, a Phoenix sports radio host, said that he believed the New England Patriots would have strong interest in the veteran pass catcher. Fitzgerald would likely want to go somewhere where he can compete for championships, and the reigning Super Bowl victors wouldn't be a bad place to start. Although New England just won a Super Bowl without a stretch-the-field type of offense (they ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in pass plays of 20-plus yards), adding a sure-handed and accomplished player such as Fitzgerald would be right in Bill Belichick's wheelhouse.
Fitzgerald, a Minnesota native, may have some interest in joining the Vikings. But while Teddy Bridgewater has shown promise, the lack of a proven quarterback such as Tom Brady could be a deciding factor, according to Bickley. Bickley also mentioned Cardinals NFC West rivals Seattle and San Francisco as possible landing spots as well.
Fitzgerald, 31, caught 63 passes for 784 yards and two touchdowns this past season. Arizona's offense wasn't helped by poor quarterback play once Carson Palmer went down with a torn ACL.
Does Fitzgerald have anything left in the tank? We'll be sure to find out wherever he ends up.
