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

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals have agreed to a contract to ensure the 31-year-old face of the franchise remains with the organization for the remainder of his career.

Continue for updates. 

---

Cardinals, Fitzgerald Agree to New Deal

Wednesday, Feb. 18

The Cardinals and Fitzgerald agreed to a deal, general manager Steve Keim announced on Wednesday, according to Doug Farrar of Sports Illustrated. 

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reported that the deal would pay Fitzgerald $11 million over the next two years, and would save the team a reported $13 million towards the cap.  

On Feb. 13, NFL.com's Dan Hanzus reported Fitzgerald and the Cardinals had begun negotiating a contract:

"

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday's edition of NFL Total Access that Fitzgerald's agent and the Cardinals have started talks with the hope they can work out an agreement that will allow the star wide receiver to finish his career in Arizona.

Fitzgerald is due $16 million in salary next season, a high figure, but not at the heart of the matter. The Cardinals are looking for relief on the cap hit tied to Fitzgerald's contract, a massive $23 million allotment that will severely limit what they can do in free agency.

"

On Feb. 12, team president Michael Bidwill commented on the contract negotiations between the Cardinals and Fitzgerald during an appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, via Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk. Bidwill highlighted the point that both sides need to be in agreement for a deal to take place:

"

Well, I think, immediately, we've got to address Larry Fitzgerald's contract. We've talked about that. We've been working hard on trying to make sure that he's got a contract that compensates him appropriately. I think Steve [Keim] and his group have been doing a great job, [including director of football administration] Mike Disner. But, it takes two to come to an agreement. So, I think that's the first order of business. We've got free agency coming up around the corner. Prior to that is the Scouting Combine, as you know, in Indianapolis next week, so a lot of work is going to get done there as we prepare for the draft, but then free agency and then the draft.

"

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk previously provided comments from Bidwill on Jan. 29. He spoke about the likelihood Fitzgerald and the team would be able to work out a deal:

"

I think so. We've had a lot of great conversations and I'm feeling very comfortable we'll get something worked out. He's been traveling since the end of the season and he's back in town now. Obviously everybody's busy this week, but I think in the coming weeks we'll get something sorted out.

"

On Jan. 23, Darren Urban of Cardinals.com provided additional comments from Bidwill preaching patience regarding a potential deal:

"

I think there is definitely mutual interest in getting something worked out. Larry and I have had conversations. I know he's had conversations with (coach) Bruce (Arians) and (General Manager) Steve Keim. (Larry) is traveling right now, but I think at the appropriate time we'll get this worked out.

I know our fans are anxious and lot of media is out there talking, but I'd just say, 'Everyone, relax a little bit.' We'll get this worked out. I feel good about it. My goal from the beginning was to have Larry Fitzgerald retire as a Cardinal when he is ready to retire many years from now. I am feeling confident something will get worked out.

"

On Jan. 16, Bidwill confirmed on KTAR 92.3 FM that the organization was negotiating with Fitzgerald's camp, courtesy of ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss.

"I'm sure we'll get it worked out," Bidwill said. "We've had a couple of conversations that I think were productive so we'll continue those discussions or at least (general manager) Steve Keim and his agent will."

---

GM Steve Keim Talks Fitzgerald Contract Status

Friday, Feb. 13

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Urban reported Keim's thoughts on where things stand with Fitzgerald and the Cardinals:

"

It’d be awfully tough for me to see Larry Fitzgerald wearing another uniform. We have some tough decisions ahead of us. The communication has been constant and hopefully we have a resolution both sides can be happy with.

The team needs to be in cap compliance by March 10, which is the beginning of the league year and also the beginning of free agency.

Keim said there was no 'exact timetable' to get the deal done. In a perfect world, Keim acknowledged, it would be good to have something done by the beginning of free agency.

"

On Dec. 31, Craig Morgan of Fox Sports Arizona reported sources close to the situation stated Fitzgerald didn't believe the contract situation could get sorted out to keep him with the organization:

"

A decision likely would have to be made by March, when Fitzgerald is due an $8 million roster bonus. But Keim's stance was clever in that it put the onus on Fitzgerald to take less money so that he doesn't hamstring the team this offseason in its efforts to acquire more free agents and improve the roster.

"

The report went on to state the wideout didn't plan to rework his deal again after helping create $10 million in extra cap space this past offseason. 

---

Fitzgerald Comments on Future with Cardinals

Sunday, Feb. 1

"In terms of next year, I have no idea what’s going to happen," Fitzgerald said. "That’s still to come. But I love Arizona, I love playing for the Cardinals and I love working for the Bidwill family," relayed Weinfuss. 

On Jan. 8, Kent Somers of AZCentral.com initially reported on the discussions:

"

The Cardinals have had positive, but preliminary, discussions with Larry Fitzgerald's agent Eugene Parker about a new contract for the star wide receiver, according to sources.

The two sides have not yet talked about money, one source said, indicating just how preliminary talks have been.

"

Prior to the postseason, Fitzgerald told Fox Sports Arizona he was focusing on the team's playoff game against the Carolina Panthers and not the future.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

"It has not crossed my mind," he said. "I'm in the midst of an opportunity that doesn't come too often, so all my energy and everything is focused on helping my team win."

Fitzgerald is coming off the worst regular season of his career—though losing starting quarterback Carson Palmer to a season-ending injury in Week 10 played a huge part in that. Backup Drew Stanton suffered a season-ending injury, too, and third-stringer Ryan Lindley wasn't able to perform at an adequate level.

Fitzgerald caught 63 passes for 784 yards and just two touchdowns in 14 games. Michael Floyd ended up leading the team with 841 yards.