Might we be witnessing the last games of Larry Fitzgerald's prolific career?
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Cardinals wideout is "mulling whether or not he wants 2016 to be his final year." At 33, Fitzgerald is still one of the best receivers in football. He's put up 98 catches for 949 yards and five touchdowns this season alone. Carson Palmer clearly values his services, targeting the former No. 3 overall pick 139 times thus far.
Rapoport first reported Fitzgerald's potential retirement back in September of this year.
The reason for Fitzgerald's potential retirement is obvious. He will have innumerable opportunities off the field and could satisfy some of his non-football passions like photography, history and travel. He earned his degree -- communications and a minor in marketing -- back in May.
Fitzgerald is second among active receivers in yards (14,315) trailing only the great Steve Smith Sr. He is third all-time in receptions (1,116) behind Jerry Rice and Tony Gonzalez and eighth in touchdowns. Another season could probably bump him up in a few categories, though Fitzgerald's legacy is secure as one of the greatest players of his generation.
Arizona (5-8-1) will be monitoring the situation closely. After cutting ties with another first-rounder, Michael Floyd, following his DUI arrest, Bruce Arians would be left with John Brown, JJ Nelson and a handful of fill-ins. Should they be eyeing a return to the playoffs next year, Fitzgerald's presence would be instrumental in so many ways.
The team takes on first-place Seattle (9-4-1) at CenturyLink Field on Saturday.
