KIDWCKED
10-28-2013, 09:56 PM
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Despite reports Sunday that the Arizona Cardinals could trade star receiver Larry Fitzgerald after the season, the team wants the seven-time Pro Bowler to finish his career in the desert.
Fitzgerald Youngest In 800 Club
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nfl/players/full/5528.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=false Larry Fitzgerald caught his 800th career reception Sunday in the Cardinals' victory over the Falcons, becoming the youngest player to reach the milestone in NFL history.
Receiver
Years-Days
Larry Fitzgerald
30-57
Jason Witten
30-238
Andre Johnson
31-165
Torry Holt
31-208
Randy Moss
31-256
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Cardinals general manager Steve Keim addressed the reports regarding Fitzgerald during a radio interview Monday with Arizona Sports 620.
"I can tell you two things, and I want to make this clear and simple -- I have not had one conversation with another NFL team regarding a trade with Larry Fitzgerald," Keim told the radio station.
"Number two, starting with [Cardinals president] Michael Bidwill on down, it is our intent for Larry Fitzgerald to retire a Cardinal. Period. If there is any gray area there, let me know, and we can get that out."
Fitzgerald's contract is the looming issue. Next season his salary-cap hit will increase to $18 million while he earns $13 million. He is under contract until 2017, and his cap hit increases again in 2015 to $21.25 million, then drops to $18.25 million in 2016 and $15 million in 2017.
The Cardinals gave Fitzgerald an extension worth $120 million in 2011.
[+] Enlargehttp://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/1012/nfl_u_fitzgerald_l_300x200.jpgCary Edmondson/USA TODAY SportsLarry Fitzgerald's salary-cap figure for 2014 could make trading him an option, according to sources.
Keim said he's looking at Arizona's future with a three-year view in terms of contracts and cap room.
"Regardless of the situation, we have accounted for Larry's deal moving forward," Keim said. "Anything else that's done is something we will have to look at and continue to talk through. But Larry Fitzgerald is a Cardinal and will remain a Cardinal."
Multiple league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the Cardinals are open to trading Fitzgerald in the offseason.
Keim did not dismiss the idea of listening to potential trades if teams inquired about Fitzgerald, according to reports.
On Sunday, Fitzgerald became the youngest player in NFL history with 800 receptions during the Cardinals' 27-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
SportsNation: Fitzgerald's future
Should the Cardinals trade Larry Fitzgerald? Will he remain with the Cardinals for his entire career?
After the game, Fitzgerald addressed the trade rumors, which included the possibility of him being sent to another team before Tuesday's trade deadline.
"I come to work every day and just focus on how I can help the Arizona Cardinals and help my team win," Fitzgerald said. "If they decide to move me, that happens. I have no control over any of that. I just focus on what I can do to improve and help my team."
Fitzgerald Youngest In 800 Club
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/headshots/nfl/players/full/5528.png&w=65&h=90&scale=crop&background=0xcccccc&transparent=false Larry Fitzgerald caught his 800th career reception Sunday in the Cardinals' victory over the Falcons, becoming the youngest player to reach the milestone in NFL history.
Receiver
Years-Days
Larry Fitzgerald
30-57
Jason Witten
30-238
Andre Johnson
31-165
Torry Holt
31-208
Randy Moss
31-256
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Cardinals general manager Steve Keim addressed the reports regarding Fitzgerald during a radio interview Monday with Arizona Sports 620.
"I can tell you two things, and I want to make this clear and simple -- I have not had one conversation with another NFL team regarding a trade with Larry Fitzgerald," Keim told the radio station.
"Number two, starting with [Cardinals president] Michael Bidwill on down, it is our intent for Larry Fitzgerald to retire a Cardinal. Period. If there is any gray area there, let me know, and we can get that out."
Fitzgerald's contract is the looming issue. Next season his salary-cap hit will increase to $18 million while he earns $13 million. He is under contract until 2017, and his cap hit increases again in 2015 to $21.25 million, then drops to $18.25 million in 2016 and $15 million in 2017.
The Cardinals gave Fitzgerald an extension worth $120 million in 2011.
[+] Enlargehttp://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/1012/nfl_u_fitzgerald_l_300x200.jpgCary Edmondson/USA TODAY SportsLarry Fitzgerald's salary-cap figure for 2014 could make trading him an option, according to sources.
Keim said he's looking at Arizona's future with a three-year view in terms of contracts and cap room.
"Regardless of the situation, we have accounted for Larry's deal moving forward," Keim said. "Anything else that's done is something we will have to look at and continue to talk through. But Larry Fitzgerald is a Cardinal and will remain a Cardinal."
Multiple league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the Cardinals are open to trading Fitzgerald in the offseason.
Keim did not dismiss the idea of listening to potential trades if teams inquired about Fitzgerald, according to reports.
On Sunday, Fitzgerald became the youngest player in NFL history with 800 receptions during the Cardinals' 27-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
SportsNation: Fitzgerald's future
Should the Cardinals trade Larry Fitzgerald? Will he remain with the Cardinals for his entire career?
After the game, Fitzgerald addressed the trade rumors, which included the possibility of him being sent to another team before Tuesday's trade deadline.
"I come to work every day and just focus on how I can help the Arizona Cardinals and help my team win," Fitzgerald said. "If they decide to move me, that happens. I have no control over any of that. I just focus on what I can do to improve and help my team."