Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald Speak on NFL Future After Loss vs. Saints

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has fought his way through a frustrating 2016 season, but the 36-year-old doesn't appear as if he's ready to hang up his cleats.

Speaking about next season following the 48-41 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 18, Palmer said, "Haven't thought about next year, but I expect to play in 2017," per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website.

In August, the Cardinals added an extra year to Palmer's contract through the 2018 season. He will count $24.1 million against Arizona's salary cap in 2017, per Spotrac.

Larry Fitzgerald, however, was noncommittal about his future despite having another year left on his contract, according to Shane Dale of ABC15.com.

"I got two more games to go. I will play those games as hard as I can against two division opponents, and we will see what goes on this offseason," Fitzgerald said Dec. 18. "My attention is solely focused on Seattle this Saturday."

On Thursday, ESPN's Jim Trotter tweeted that Fitzgerald told him "he wants to take off a month or 2 after season, then decide whether to return in '17 for final year on contract."

Palmer was coming off the best season of his career in 2015, throwing for 4,671 yards, 35 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He led the NFL with 8.7 yards per attempt.

The Cardinals finished 13-3 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2008. With a roster that had a lot of talent on defense and young playmakers on offense such as David Johnson and John Brown, they seemed ready to challenge the Seattle Seahawks atop the NFC West.

When Palmer got the new deal, he expressed excitement, per ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss:

"

I've been playing my whole career to be in a situation like this and play for an owner like this and a GM like this, and then you throw in having a chance to play for Bruce [Arians] and be one of Bruce's quarterbacks, and a chance to play in a locker room like this and a chance to improve a fantastic roster. I didn't hesitate at all.

"

Four months later, things look quite different. The Cardinals' loss in Week 15 dropped them to 5-8-1, and Palmer is showing his age. Fitzgerald, 33, is not.

He leads the league in receptions with 98 and is closing in on 1,000 yards receiving while adding five touchdowns. There are still moments of brilliance from Palmer, but his completion percentage is sitting at 61.5, and he's fumbled nine times to go with 13 picks.

Palmer has torn the ACL in his left knee twice; it's a testament to his work ethic and character he's lasted 14 seasons. Although he's regressed in 2016, there's no one close to his level on the roster with Zac Dysert and Drew Stanton.

Even if Palmer does return, Arizona may look to draft a QB in 2017.