The expectation over the last few NFL seasons is that Larry Fitzgerald may be on the verge of retirement, and with rumors quiet surrounding the veteran receiver, could that be the case in 2021? Will we see Fitzgerald return to Arizona again? Could he sign somewhere else, or is this the end of his fantastic career?
Could Larry Fitzgerald return to Arizona?
The Cardinals made a splash adding A.J. Green to their already talented receiving corps. That means the Cardinals enter 2021 with Green, DeAndre Hopkins, and Christian Kirk as their primary receivers. Could that mean there is now no room for Fitzgerald in Arizona?
[sv slug=”drizly”]Fitzgerald surprised many by returning for his 17th season in Arizona in 2020. However, just because the Cardinals have now added Green does not mean they can’t bring back Fitzgerald as well.
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Bringing back the future Hall of Fame receiver would give the Cardinals depth and one of the most respected voices in the league in their locker room. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray are unlikely to complain if the Cardinals front office brings Fitzgerald back.
If not Arizona, could Larry Fitzgerald retire?
There is absolutely a possibility Larry Fitzgerald may call it a career and retire. Over the course of his career, Fitzgerald has 1,432 receptions, 17,492 receiving yards, and 121 touchdowns. On the other hand, the 2020 season saw Fitzgerald return the lowest numbers of his career, with just 409 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Therefore, the star wide receiver may decide it is time to hang up his boots.
What are the other potential landing spots?
It seems unlikely that after 17 seasons in the NFL with the Cardinals that Fitzgerald will go and play somewhere else. However, he could decide to go and chase a Super Bowl with another team. If so, what options could be on the table for Larry Fitzgerald?
Baltimore Ravens
We know the Baltimore Ravens have kicked the tires on both Kenny Golladay and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Still, Larry Fitzgerald might actually be the ideal option for this team.
At this stage in his career, Fitzgerald is not looking to pad his stats. Instead, Fitzgerald would likely be looking at a potential Super Bowl run with a young team. Fitzgerald’s hard-working nature could make him an ideal piece for a Ravens team that asks a lot more than just catching the ball from their receivers.
Kansas City Chiefs
Could Larry Fitzgerald flip the red of Arizona for the red of Kansas City? From a perspective of maximizing his Super Bowl opportunity, it certainly makes a lot of sense.
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Fitzgerald could head into Kansas City and play that Sammy Watkins role as the second receiver. As the third pass catcher, not much would be asked of Fitzgerald, who can still contribute but is unlikely to demand 100 or more targets. Fitzgerald as a third option to Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill would give opposing defensive coordinators a major headache.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have been quiet in terms of rumors at wide receiver, but Larry Fitzgerald would be a fascinating fit. In this offense, Fitzgerald would be upsetting to opposing defenses as a secondary option. He would give Aaron Rodgers a receiver he can trust when Davante Adams is double covered. Fitzgerald is not the same receiver he once was, but he could be extremely successful as that secondary option to Adams.
Indianapolis Colts
Another team that has been quiet on the rumor front is the Indianapolis Colts, but Larry Fitzgerald could fit their need of a veteran WR. The Colts have a few young options on their roster, but they need that central option for new QB Carson Wentz to target. Fitzgerald in Indianapolis could be a fantastic boost to the Colts’ chances of winning a Super Bowl.
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