Fitz extension to 2018

[Mitch]

I find it weird for fans to openly clamor to trade their top player out of fairness to him when he wants to be here.

Right. But, maybe this time around Steve Keim will make a more concerted and determined effort to surround Larry with the best possible talent in Arizona.

 

[oaken1]

My post said to leave it up to Fitz. Should he desire to be traded to a contender when we outright suck again next year they should do everything in their power to accommodate him. He deserves it.

If that is not wants he wants, great, so be it- but again all I said was that he should have the final say. A no-trade clause only covers half of the equation.

Fitz has built up WAY more goodwill with me than this current regime has, so IMO he has more than earned the right to request a trade and be accommodated accordingly.

Sorry if you think that makes me a "weird" fan.

Larry's no trade clause was there just so he didnt get traded against his will. I am with you in this,...much like Anneas Williams...Larry has earned the courtesy.
However, I am of the opinion that he stays here by choice. That player loyalty is rare and Larry knows that...and that making all of those career records with a single team is an accomplishment of its own. crazy as it sounds I think he wants the name Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals to be synonymous, for better or worse.
when you look at career leaders... Rice and Gonzales both played for different teams and with HoF caliber QB's.... Larry was a Cardinal, and had a couple seasons with Kurt, and a career with whodat

 

[oaken1]

Right. But, maybe this time around Steve Keim will make a more concerted and determined effort to surround Larry with the best possible talent in Arizona.

LMAO!! KOOL AID ALERT!!

 

[NJCardFan]

What does this say about next season? It's telling me that nothing is going to change from this year to next.

 

[Big D]

I get that Larry wants to be here, I really do - But it's not like a player has never changed his mind before.

A LOT can happen in 12 months. Sometimes situations get better, sometimes they get worse. Sometimes a player's athletic mortality staring him in face starts to give him a different perspective. Sometimes it doesn't.

Let him make the call. That's all I'm saying.

 

[Cards_Campos]

I think this is the best news all season!! Larry will retire a Cardinal and we get to see his greatness at least 1 more year?!?! I think he may stay 2.....if we look like we can contend. In the NFL you are 2 or 3 added players from being a playoff team. I don't know if this necessarily means BA is back either. I do think Carson comes back. Because he is going to be rested for next year. I say keep AP and habe both him and DJ in back field. I say trade whatever we need to get Baker.
But I wouldn't be against letting Palmer retire and going after Drew Brees. I know probably wont happen. Another option I like....Phillip Rivers.

 

[thephoenixson28]

I think this is the best news all season!! Larry will retire a Cardinal and we get to see his greatness at least 1 more year?!?! I think he may stay 2.....if we look like we can contend. In the NFL you are 2 or 3 added players from being a playoff team. I don't know if this necessarily means BA is back either. I do think Carson comes back. Because he is going to be rested for next year. I say keep AP and habe both him and DJ in back field. I say trade whatever we need to get Baker.
But I wouldn't be against letting Palmer retire and going after Drew Brees. I know probably wont happen. Another option I like....Phillip Rivers.

I would love drew brees but he already said he is staying with New Orleans

 

[gamebird98]

Signed to trade?

 

[Jetstream Green]

I think this is the best news all season!! Larry will retire a Cardinal and we get to see his greatness at least 1 more year?!?! I think he may stay 2.....if we look like we can contend. In the NFL you are 2 or 3 added players from being a playoff team. I don't know if this necessarily means BA is back either. I do think Carson comes back. Because he is going to be rested for next year. I say keep AP and habe both him and DJ in back field. I say trade whatever we need to get Baker.
But I wouldn't be against letting Palmer retire and going after Drew Brees. I know probably wont happen. Another option I like....Phillip Rivers.

Drew Brees... another old might retire QB who then would have to learn the offense

 

[NJCardFan]

I get that Larry wants to be here, I really do - But it's not like a player has never changed his mind before.

A LOT can happen in 12 months. Sometimes situations get better, sometimes they get worse. Sometimes a player's athletic mortality staring him in face starts to give him a different perspective. Sometimes it doesn't.

Let him make the call. That's all I'm saying.

Didn't Kurt Warner sign a 2 year deal in 2009?

 

[RugbyMuffin]

See the above post from Rugby... I think you and Shane are dead wrong in terms of how you are viewing the Fitz return possibility.

If it was not for the complete lost of John Brown, and Michael Floyd, the small amount of potential Chad Williams is showing, and the fact Jaron Brown and JJ Nelson are #4, and #5 depth chart talents, then I would be more aligned to moving on from Fitzgerald (blasphemy, I know).

But, the fact is, with Fitzgerald signed, the Cardinals have Fitzgerald and Chad Williams under contract for 2018......that's it.

Unless I am completely wrong (where for art thou JoeSchmo), 11 mil breaks down to 4.5 million signing bonus, and 6.5 million salary. That is pretty standard for a "WR#2", and it is safe to say that even at 34 years old, Fitzgerald may be the best complimentary wide receiver in the league, and right now he is the main guy on the team at 34 years old.

Where I start to split hairs, is I am OK with Palmer and Fitzgerald in 2018, but ONLY IF, that is with a QBOF, and a WROF.

That being said, something would have to be done about Palmer's contract, it would be detrimental to the progression of this organization going forward to keep Palmer at his current salary and try to move forward with planning for the future.

I am 100% with Shane and Ouchie on what they are saying. It is not so much anti-Fitzgerald, far from it, but it is want to shut the current window on the current core of the team, and start to build a new one. If keeping Fitzgerald delays that in anyway then I 100% understand and agree with both posters.

I personally do not think Fitzgerald's extension is or should be any reason not to move forward with a "rebuild". The last two season has shown that you are going to be a bad team with the current roster. Yet, it is safe to say a "rebuild" roster is not going to be much better, so why not keep Fitzgerald (who has already endured the last two seasons) and start the rebuild ? The worst that can happen is we have a team that is poor, just like this year, but at least it will be a team that is poor, but with potential in new, younger talent.

It is almost extenuating circumstances, you just have to look at the roster, and the holes in the roster and see that even with a full rebuild there is NO WAY the Cardinals can replace every single player that will no longer be under contract come the offseason, replace the players that need to be cut for money reasons, or replace the players who are just not NFL talent.

It is too much, and signing Fitzgerald to a fair contract to play next year is something I think will benefit the team and not hinder their rebuild.

You have players like:

- Carson Palmer
- Tyrann Mathieu
- Jared Veldheer
- Mike Iupati
- Adrian Peterson
- Deone Bucanon
- Antione Bethea
- Phil Dawson
- Josh Mauro
- A.Q. Shipley

*cannot cut Jermaine Gesham, it would cost the team money to do it next season.

that are more of a question when it comes to if they are worth keeping around because of their price tag than Fitzgerald.

That is my argument in detail, and it is something I think it is arguable. Next offseason has A LOT of variables thus it will be an interesting offseason.

Sidenote: As it stands today the Cardinals only have 15 players total signed through 2019. Potentially in one and a half years, this club potentially has 38 open roster spots. This organization has no choice but to rebuild.

 

[BillsCarnage]

that will keep him here to get into 2nd all-time

This.

He gets to #2 as a Cardinal (first quarter of the season) and then they trade him to a SB contender.

 

[NJCardFan]

Right. But, maybe this time around Steve Keim will make a more concerted and determined effort to surround Larry with the best possible talent in Arizona.

Maybe but this regime is more noted to make one big move then sign aging veterans and marginal guys and this team has more holes than a golf course right now.

 

[WisconsinCard]

Good point, but just for the record Palmer's salary in 2018 wild be $12.5M, with a $20.625M cap hit. But if he's cut out retires there's a $6.625M dead money cost, so the difference between Palmer being on the roster or not is "only" $14M.

...dave

I bumped this post by Daves because he brings up a great point. To the folks that think CP and LF stop the rebuild, keep us from being active in free agency, or unable to secure a QBOTF is just flat out wrong. Larry is getting paid around the same as Randall Cobb, Emanuel Sanders, Allen Hurns, and Tavon Auston. I mean you can't tell me that LF isn't worth to the cards that those dudes are to their respective teams.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

It’s called a salary cap. Every dollar spent on a near retirement Fitz is a dollar less than can be spent on a younger player, or three. I can’t believe you don’t understand that.

I love the idea of Fitz getting to #2 and for my boys to watch him one more season, but if this move means stretching the current old guys rule gang and effectively delaying the Mich needed rebuild youth movement we may lament this move.

This is a tough one that pits head against heart.

I am going with my heart though. He is my favorite athlete of all time and I don't care if it is selfish. This team is closer to winning it all with Fitz even at 15M than without him and being a younger team.

Now Carson at 25M is another story.

 

[AZCB34]

I think the concern can be Keim gets tunnel vision if all these guys are really coming back for one last run. He could put all resources towards the run and lose sight of the rebuild. I am not saying he will get tunnel vision just that it is possible.

As for the QB of the future. So the cards draft one. He sits learning behind a one year desperation heave for the ring. Then said QBoF now gets new coach, new system and new surrounding cast. That, my friends, is a recipe for a failed draft pick. Success with a QB draft pick comes from continuity.

This extension of Fitz is worth the paper it is printed on at this point. Until proven otherwise it is ceremonial and no more.

 

[kerouac9]

Ugh, I've been hearing people say for the last couple years that this is the last hurrah 4 Palmer, Fitz and Arians. Clearly you people don't know what you're talking about. Did it ever occur to you that Larry might not want to end his career the way Jerry Rice did. Bouncing from Team to team and contributing little. Isn't he leading the league in receptions? Why wouldn't he want to come back for another year. You still one of the best receivers in football.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Jerry Rice went to the Super Bowl with the Raiders and had 2 seasons over 1100 yards receiving.

 

[Ronin]

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[Ronin]

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[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I bumped this post by Daves because he brings up a great point. To the folks that think CP and LF stop the rebuild, keep us from being active in free agency, or unable to secure a QBOTF is just flat out wrong. Larry is getting paid around the same as Randall Cobb, Emanuel Sanders, Allen Hurns, and Tavon Auston. I mean you can't tell me that LF isn't worth to the cards that those dudes are to their respective teams.

Good lord I don’t know how this is difficult for some of you to grasp. This is an oversimplification for arguments sake but the salary cap ensures that there are limited dollars that you can use. For every dollar that you spend on a player that will only be here for one year you have one less dollar to spend on a player that might be here for ten years. This past offseason you could have used Fitz money to sign a Robert woods who looks like he might be a good wr for years. If we aren’t going to win it all next year with the geriatrics crowd (and folks, we aren’t) then paying the old folks just impedes the youth movement.

This isn’t comparing the contributions that a Fitz can make next season to a what a Randall Cobb’s could do next year. That’s a specious argument. It’s comoaring what one year of Fitz can do compared to the chance of a decade of production from a younger player.

I get the love for Fitz and really there’s no other player I’d even consider this type of move for, but I’m also extremely practical when it comes to sports planning. And undortunatelybto he successful long term there’s an inherent ruthlessness that becomes necessary.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Good lord I don’t know how this is difficult for some of you to grasp. This is an oversimplification for arguments sake but the salary cap ensures that there are limited dollars that you can use. For every dollar that you spend on a player that will only be here for one year you have one less dollar to spend on a player that might be here for ten years. This past offseason you could have used Fitz money to sign a Robert woods who looks like he might be a good wr for years. If we aren’t going to win it all next year with the geriatrics crowd (and folks, we aren’t) then paying the old folks just impedes the youth movement.

This isn’t comparing the contributions that a Fitz can make next season to a what a Randall Cobb’s could do next year. That’s a specious argument. It’s comoaring what one year of Fitz can do compared to the chance of a decade of production from a younger player.

I get the love for Fitz and really there’s no other player I’d even consider this type of move for, but I’m also extremely practical when it comes to sports planning. And undortunatelybto he successful long term there’s an inherent ruthlessness that becomes necessary.

You're assuming that the $$ spent on Fitz (IF he comes back), would've somehow been spent on a player that would've offered greater value than the value Fitz provides during that one final season... IMHO, that is a very iffy, very uncertain and very incalcuable assumption as this point in time. Perhaps 2-3 years from now we'll be able to look back and say, "damn, if they hadn't spent that $$ on Fitz in 2018, they would've signed so & so (and that so & so who the Cards didn't sign found success elsewhere)...

 

[daves]

I highly doubt Fitz will be brought back at $15 Million next year... I’m guessing it would be $10 Million

Good guess 82.

I'll go on record with a guess that it will be $11M. His last two contracts have been for $11M per year and I like the symbolism for #11.

Ahem!

...dave

 

[cardncubfan]

Ahem!

...dave

Your post came after his.
I remembered hearing on the news last night it was $10mil so I thought that was what he signed for. Then I seen 82's post & thought good guess. Saweded your post & didn't know until I was at the end of the thread that it was $11mil +. Then I thought you know daves was right. But didn't post. Great guess Dave!

 

[GuernseyCard]

Your post came after his.
I remembered hearing on the news last night it was $10mil so I thought that was what he signed for. Then I seen 82's post & thought good guess. Seen your post & didn't know until I was at the end of the thread that it was $11mil +. Then I thought you know daves was right. But didn't post. Great guess Dave!

Saw not seen.

 

[oaken1]

Good lord I don’t know how this is difficult for some of you to grasp. This is an oversimplification for arguments sake but the salary cap ensures that there are limited dollars that you can use. For every dollar that you spend on a player that will only be here for one year you have one less dollar to spend on a player that might be here for ten years. This past offseason you could have used Fitz money to sign a Robert woods who looks like he might be a good wr for years. If we aren’t going to win it all next year with the geriatrics crowd (and folks, we aren’t) then paying the old folks just impedes the youth movement.

This isn’t comparing the contributions that a Fitz can make next season to a what a Randall Cobb’s could do next year. That’s a specious argument. It’s comoaring what one year of Fitz can do compared to the chance of a decade of production from a younger player.

I get the love for Fitz and really there’s no other player I’d even consider this type of move for, but I’m also extremely practical when it comes to sports planning. And undortunatelybto he successful long term there’s an inherent ruthlessness that becomes necessary.

wrap your mind around the fact that Larry can still be a productive possession receiver for another five years.
Jerry Rice retired at 42...probably should have went around 40,.. but 42 it was... and he contributed all the way up to 40.
Larry can do the same, he has the same work ethic and keeps his body in prime condition.
but it is not unheard of that he may choose to continue playing on a year to year basis.

.
If Larry is contributing as a possession guy,..even if its only, say,... 70 catches a year... he is worth what he is making and in fact NOT impeding the team from signing a younger #1 WR... as long as his contract is not surpassing fair market value for his position and production.... does he have 10 years?? way most likely not
but he does have 5 years if he chooses to keep at it. and the facts would indicate a young guy who is doing real well will likely sign somewhere else anyway after his contract expires, or price himself out of AZ because unless he is like Larry SK aint gonna pay him top dollar