The NFL’s third-leading all-time receiver, Larry Fitzgerald may be ready to step away from the game after what was his 14th season.
Bruce Arians‘ retirement could have an impact on how Fitzgerald proceeds, with NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reporting (via Twitter) some of those close to the star pass-catcher do not believe he will want to come back and play in a new offense.
Fitzgerald thrived in Arians’ attack, posting three straight 100-plus-reception seasons from 2015-17. Despite being the league’s oldest wideout, Fitzgerald caught a career-high 109 passes this season and recorded 1,156 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He booked three more Pro Bowls in this span.
Carson Palmer is uncertain to return as well, and Rapoport reports the 38-year-old quarterback is an even longer shot to come back for what would be his 16th NFL season. Palmer and Fitzgerald played together for five years in Arizona, but the quarterback encountered more injury trouble this past season. And Arians having played a key role in rejuvenating Palmer’s career, the former No. 1 overall pick could be inclined to walk away instead of playing the final year of his most recent contract.
Both Fitzgerald and Palmer are signed through 2018.
Hate to see Fitz retire. Seems like just yesterday I was watching him set records at Heinz field while playing for Pitt. I think Palmer with his injuries should hang them up.
Pitt?
Never mind. It’s late lol. Thought u were talking about the Steelers and was totally confused haha. Sorry….always enjoyed fitz and thought he was a standup guy. Similar to what I remember rice to be like. Hard come by wide receivers that are skilled and ego balanced. Too many Bryant’s, owens, Moss, Johnson’s, Marshall’s, Beckham’s, etc out there. Nice to see class on the field here and there.
Both players need to come back though not much to prove they are esencial to Arizona!
Patriot next year! Lol
Fitz is amazing. One of the best. Palmer is a scrub dating back to his coward Cincy days. What a crappy leader.
As a Hawk fan I don’t want to see him comeback but as a football fan I do.
Fitzy retiring would be just as dramatical as Favre retiring from Green Bay. Fitzy has been the face of Arizona for so long. Me being an Arizona fan I would hate to se him retire but I wouldn’t be shocked if he did. I’m hoping he sticks around. They still have a defense and a hell of a runningback. Don’t leave Fitzy!!!!!!