Larry Fitzgerald: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Cardinals WR's Future

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is coming off a return to form in 2015, but that didn't prevent the Pro Bowler's name from coming up in headlines speculating about his NFL future at the start of the 2016 regular season.

Continue for updates.

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Fitzgerald and More Respond to Retirement Rumor

Tuesday, Sept. 13

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Sunday that Fitzgerald plans on making the 2016 season his last.

Fitzgerald recorded eight receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns against the New England Patriots on Sunday night. His second touchdown of the night was the 100th of his career. Fitzgerald spoke about his future following the game, per ESPN's Josh Weinfuss:

"

You know, I don't talk about the future. I don't even know what I'm having for dinner tonight, let alone what I'm doing next year. I signed another year for a reason. I believe in what we're doing here. I believe in the guys that I have in this room, the head coach [Bruce Arians], his staff. Obviously, [Cardinals president] Michael Bidwill is doing everything he can to put us in a position to win.

That's where my mindset is at. What I'm doing next year is of no importance. This is the year. And I want to make sure we make it great.

"

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported on Tuesday morning that the Cardinals want Fitzgerald to play several more seasons because he's a favorite of the team's ownership.

Shortly after Rapoport's report, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. and Mark Dalton, Cardinals vice president of media relations, also responded to the report via Twitter:

On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing sources, reiterated Fitzgerald has no plans to retire, noting the recent contract extension Fitzgerald signed.

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Fitzgerald Has Enjoyed Hall of Fame-Caliber Career

The 33-year-old has spent all 13 of his NFL seasons in Arizona. After three straight sub-1,000-yard years, he recorded a career-high 109 receptions for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015. He was named to his ninth Pro Bowl team and helped the Cardinals reach the NFC Championship Game.  

“Honestly, I have no idea,” Fitzgerald said of retirement in May, per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' website. “I really don’t look at it like that. I look at it as a day-to-day. I feel good every day, waking up and going to practice. Last year I was able to stay healthy. That puts you in a different state of mind when you are able to get up and do everything you are capable of doing.”

Fitzgerald agreed to a one-year contract extension in August that will pay him $11 million this season. The deal is only guaranteed for injury, meaning the Cardinals could theoretically cut him if he were to underperform. There were rumors Fitzgerald was inching toward a departure prior to the 2015 season, but those proved to be unsubstantiated.

Fitzgerald is a near-lock for Canton, entering 2016 with 1,018 receptions, 13,366 yards and 98 touchdowns for his career. He has a chance to enter the all-time top 10 in receptions, yards and touchdowns in 2016.

Retiring at age 33 with $11 million sitting on the table might be a surprise, but Fitzgerald has stayed on the field for 186 games despite taking a beating. He could also have a natural second career in broadcasting awaiting, given his father's storied media work.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.