Larry Fitzgerald reveals his decision on playing in 2018
Arizona Cardinals fans have endured a wearing offseason as the team lost both quarterback Carson Palmer and head coach Bruce Arians to retirement.
But now fans have a glimmer of hope as star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has announced he will be returning to the Cardinals next season after reportedly contemplating retirement.
New Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks was the one to break the news Thursday on the “Doug & Wolf Show” on KMVP-FM in Glendale.
“Larry mentioned to me last night that he’s coming back for the 2018 season. … He’s totally committed, those are his words. We’re ecstatic to have him part of the Arizona Cardinals,” Wilks said.
Larry’s back.
Get it?
Bad joke. Good news: @LarryFitzgerald is returning for the 2018 season. pic.twitter.com/4baph2VgLz
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) February 15, 2018
The 34-year-old will return for his 15th season in the NFL, all with the Cardinals.
Last season, Fitzgerald caught 109 passes — tying his own franchise record — and accumulated 1,156 receiving yards.
The veteran proved he is worth every penny of his $11 million guaranteed contract for next season.
Now that Arizona has locked up the 11-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer, it can turn its attention to filling its biggest hole: the void at starting quarterback left by Palmer’s retirement.
As of now, the Cardinals have Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert on their roster.
They also hold the 15th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
Arizona reportedly might be interested in signing free agent Kirk Cousins or drafting Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield.
Who the Cardinals get behind center seems to not be a worry for Fitzgerald as he has enjoyed his offseason on the golf course.
He became the first African-American amateur to win the Pebble Beach Pro-Am this past weekend, shooting a combined 41-under par for the weekend with his partner, PGA pro Kevin Streelman.
What a shot!@LarryFitzgerald is used to the big stage on Sundays. 💪 pic.twitter.com/cQ93jDtvpx
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 12, 2018
Cardinals fans can breathe easier knowing they will have him lining up for at least one more season.
Arizona finished 8-8 last season, third in the NFC West.
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