There's been multiple reports that Fitz and the Cards are on the verge of a new that would Keep Fitz in the desert. Just heard on the radio that it's official. Details will be out shortly. Other than Tom Brady I can't think of another that would bite the bullet like Fitz had to do to stay with the same organization and clear up $13 million in cap space in the process. Looking forward to Fitz's rationalization of why he decided to stay.
It doesn't make sense for either Fitz or the Cards. They still could've received something good in return, maybe a 2nd round pick? And Fitz could have got a better deal with up front guaranteed money. It would be nice to get the full details of the contract.
The Cardinals star wide receiver agreed to "essentially" a two-year contract Wednesday to stay with the only team he's played for. Cardinals general manager Steve Keim announced the deal Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, saying "we're finished." Keim did not disclose financial details. Fitzgerald will receive $22 million in guaranteed money over the course of the new contract, according to ESPN sources and multiple reports. Fitzgerald was due to earn $16.25 million with a $23.6 million cap hit in 2015, making his contract one of the Cardinals' top offseason priorities. http://m.espn.go.com/nfl/story?storyId=12341629&src=desktop&ex_cid=sportscenterTW
@adbrandt: New Fitzgerald deal is $22M/two years (w/2 years added for Cap proration) fully guaranteed. Goes from $31M non-gteed to $22M gteed.
I love the comment made in the article: When you consider the high level of QB play that the Cards have had (prior to Carson Palmer and after he got injured) it's a wonder any WR on the Cards had more than 500 yards. Last year, Palmer's first year, Fitz was only 38 yards short of the magical 1,000 yard mark and the combo was doing well until Palmer went down this past season. I agree with what @TJ had to say. I was certain he'd be gone. Fitz still has a lot of game and basically he did everyone a favor by agreeing to this. Money or no money, one thing that's never really talked about is how much Fitz absolutely loves living here.
It's hard to gauge Fitz with the likes of Kevin Kolb, Matt Leinart, Ryan Lindley, John Skelton and every other Bozo the QB having littered Fitz's resume.
Realistically, I wouldn't put him in the top 3 based upon stats. But I would certainly pick Fitz for a my fantasy team next year. Very good chance with Palmer returning and Fitz staying they could do some real damage in a revitalized year. If I'm Palmer I'm asking Ariens and the OC to move Fitz back to the outside vs. being a slot receiver like he was last year.