Larry Fitzgerald unlikely to retire after 2016, signs one-year extension with Arizona Cardinals

Former Pitt wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald talked earlier of being unsure if 2016 would be his final year in the NFL. While it still technically could be, it looks less likely now with Fitzgerald signing a one-year extension with the team, which would keep him with the Cardinals through 2017. On the same day, the Cardinals also inked quarterback Carson Palmer for another year.

Fitzgerald’s deal is reportedly worth $11 million.

The former Panther appeared to be on the decline in recent years. His catch totals dropped significantly from 2012 to 2014 and he failed to record a single 1,000-yard year during that stretch. But Fitzgerald was revitalized as Palmer returned last year and had a monster 2015 with a career-best 109 catches for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns.

It’s too early to tell how much longer he can play but if last year was any indication of the ability he still has left, playing beyond 2017 might not be out of the question. Fitz is ‘only’ 32 right now and a guy like Jerry Rice played into his 40s. Fitzgerald is already talking of potentially not playing so it’s hard to imagine he’ll be around that long. But if he stays healthy, he could still go on to play several more years.

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