There are already quite a few names swirling around the rumor mill ahead of next week’s NFL trade deadline. One that surprisingly hadn’t popped up was wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald has dealt with years of disappointment with the Cardinals, leading to annual speculation that a team like the Patriots, Ravens or a handful of other squads might trade for him. The Cardinals finally seem interested in dealing the All-Pro wideout, though, as his salary is set to inflate considerably next season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Cardinals are still considering dealing Fitzgerald before Tuesday’s trade deadline, although it appears much more likely that he’ll be traded during the offseason. Arizona is 3-4 heading into Week 8 and appear to be longshots to make the postseason, considering a difficult schedule in the second half of the season.
Fitzgerald has been the Cardinals’ most productive receiver this season, catching 32 passes for 423 yards and four touchdowns. The emergence of second-year receiver Michael Floyd, who’s caught 31 passes for 401 yards and one score, may be leading head coach Bruce Arians to believe that the Cards won’t need to pay Fitz the $18 million he’s due next season.
The Patriots have long been rumored to covet Fitzgerald, and there always seems to be links between the two, but that hefty salary seems like it could be a big deterrent for Bill Belichick.
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