By Jordan Long
The Arizona Cardinals finished the season at 3-13, worst in the NFL. They will have the first pick in the NFL Draft on April 25th. There was speculation wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald would retire. Instead he has decided to come back and play for a 16th season. According to ESPN, Team President Michael Bidwill said, “No player has meant more to this franchise or this community than Larry Fitzgerald. In my discussions with him, it was clear that he is as driven and as passionate as ever. We are thrilled he’ll be back for 2019.”
The Cardinals have to be excited Fitzgerald is going to be on the field in 2019. He is one of the best wide receivers to ever put on a uniform. In his career Fitzgerald has 16,279 receiving yards, 2nd all-time behind Jerry Rice. He will add to that total next season but not catch Rice who has 22,895. In terms of touchdowns, he totaled 116 which is 6th in NFL history. This number is going to increase next year.
Fitzgerald looked a step slower last year and had a career low 734 receiving yards. He was still productive in the red zone with 6 touchdowns. Defensive backs were covering him which made it difficult for him to be open. Arizona quarterbacks threw the ball to other wide receivers on the team because of it.
Fitzgerald is better off retiring. Once he decides to hang up his cleats the Hall of Fame is next. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for him to play another season. He is 35 years old, way past his prime.
Fitzgerald has accomplished plenty in his time with the Cardinals. Besides the yards and the touchdowns, he has been voted into 11 Pro Bowls. The only piece missing from his resume is a Super Bowl ring. The Cardinals haven’t made the postseason since 2015 when they were knocked off in the NFC Championship Game by the Carolina Panthers. Arizona looks like it will be another rebuilding year in 2019 and maybe land another top 10 draft pick. Hopefully once 2019 is over, Fitzgerald decides to walk away.
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