Larry Fitzgerald’s NFL Future Up In The Air

By Jordan Long

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is a free agent for the first time in his career.  He has only played for the Arizona Cardinals.   He is looking for a new home, but Fitzgerald hasn’t said what his plans are for this season.  The only thing missing for him in his career is a Super Bowl ring.

                Fitzgerald is one of the best wide receivers in NFL history.  He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 3^rd overall in the 2004 NFL Draft.  In his career to this point, Fitzgerald is second in NFL history for receiving yards and catches. Fitzgerald has 1,432 catches for 17,492 yards, only Jerry Rice has more.  When it comes to touchdown passes, Fitzgerald totaled 121, 6^th in NFL history.

                Last season Fitzgerald took a step back.  He caught 54 passes for 409 yards and 1 touchdown, all career lows.  He also missed 3 games dealing with COVID 19.  Fitzgerald showed his age last year.

                The Cardinals may have already moved on from Fitzgerald.  They agreed to a contract with A.J. Green who is likely going to play opposite of DeAndre Hopkins. Green is 32 years old and might have more seasons left in him than Fitzgerald.   Fitzgerald is 37 years old which is getting up there in age for a wide receiver in the NFL.  Assuming the Cardinals don’t offer Fitzgerald a new contract, Green can be just as effective as Fitzgerald in the passing game.  He will give quarterback Kyler Murray a large target to throw the ball to and move the chains for first downs or longer.

                Fitzgerald hasn’t decided if he wants to keep playing or retire.   A team could pick him up to be the veteran leader for the wide receiver core.   He won’t be a number 1 or 2 receiver on the depth chart.  He might be 3^rd or 4^th but can still be productive.

                Fitzgerald knows no matter what, he will most likely be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when his playing days are over.  He could test the free agent market.  If teams aren’t calling him to offer a contract, it may be a sign he needs to walk away.  Free agency is well under way and it will determine Fitzgerald’s future in the NFL.