Larry Fitzgerald Decision Changes Arizona Cardinals Draft Plans
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Oakland Raiders during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It was a lingering feeling among Arizona Cardinals fans all off-season. Would this be the last year for franchise great Larry Fitzgerald before he retired?
Just hours before the 2016 NFL season is set to kick off, hints were dropped that the 9-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer had reached a decision. Regardless of what happens this year, expectations are that he’ll hang up the cleats when the season concludes, whether it results in a long sought-after Super Bowl championship or not.
#AZCardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald has told people close to him that he expects 2016 to be his last season. Assuming it holds, the HOF awaits
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2016
There is no doubt Fitzgerald will go down as one of the greatest high-pressure performers at wide receiver in NFL history. If not for his singular brilliance the Cardinals wouldn’t have enjoyed so much playoff success between 2008 and 2015. His performances have passed into legend, but the stark reality of this decision means the team is suddenly in a bad spot. Don’t forget that fellow receiver Michael Floyd is a free agent in 2017 as well.
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Combined with the age of Carson Palmer at quarterback, the passing offense for this team is on a limited shelf life unless they make plans to do something about it. The first step of course would be signing Floyd to an extension. Beyond that though this development almost certainly alters whatever NFL draft plans they may have had before.
Wide receiver was already among the top five considerations for positions in need. This Fitzgerald development all but guarantees it shoots to #1 on that list. Names like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mike Williams and Corey Davis will become commonplace in the draft community when their team becomes the topic of conversation.
There are many things that could still change that. Larry Fitzgerald could change his mind. The team may preempt the problem with a bold trade. Or they feel they have some hidden gems on the roster already. Still, if things stand as they are now it’s hard to not see the Cardinals being aggressive in pursuit of new weapons at receiver next year.