Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has committed to return next season, claiming that he is back to his normal self physically. The 33-year-old’s impending return could influence the decision of Carson Palmer who is speculated to be retiring.
Discovering the desire and fire to return to play football, a lot may have sparked by the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. It seems that the competitive nature of the game lit up something in Fitzgerald, hence the renewed interest for the game.
With renewed interest, Fitzgerald is aiming high with his impending return. He sees the Cardinals as a championship-worthy team, something he hopes to happen in 2017, AZ Central reported. He points out players like Patrick Peterson, Tyler Mathieu and Chandler Jones, super-talented guys who could help improve the 7-8-1 record of the Cardinals this NFL season.
But the other important player in the mix is Carson Palmer. Fitzgerald did hook up with the 37-year-old quarterback but did not discuss on what Palmer has planned ahead. Regardless, he is aware that their chances of a potential NFL championship run holds better chances with the veteran still around.
On the future of Palmer, coach Bruce Arians did mention something on ESPN. He claims that Palmer is returning next season though it would be best to hear that from Palmer himself. Arians believes that Palmer is taking some needed time off with his family. Should he return, Palmer is set to make $17.5 million.
Assuming Arians’ call is on track plus the vowed return of Fitzgerald, the Cardinals offseason plans have somehow taken shape. It takes out the need to search for a wide receiver, meaning focus will be on the re-signing of their free agents. That includes Michael Floyd who was being groomed to replace Fitzgerald. That is something that may be settled after the NFL Draft.
With Fitzgerald back, all eyes are now on Carson Palmer. Arians take is good news but until it actually comes from the 37-year-old’s own mouth, the aspired championship run of the Cardinals hangs in the balance.
The video below tackles the decision of Larry Fitzgerald to return to the Arizona Cardinals next season.