Is Larry Fitzgerald Retiring? Cardinals Wide Receiver Confirms 2018 Plans

The greatest player in Arizona Cardinals history, and arguably one of the best wide receivers to ever play in the NFL, will come back in 2018. Larry Fitzgerald informed new Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks that he will return for the 2018 season, after initially being non-committal about his status following the Cards’ disappointing 2017 season.

Arizona’s Twitter account confirmed the news Thursday morning.

As ProFootballTalk pointed out, Fitzgerald was likely wooed by his guaranteed $11 million salary for the season. Fitzgerald needs 390 yards and 93 catches to become second all-time in both categories behind Jerry Rice.

When Bruce Arians came to Arizona in 2013, he moved Fitzgerald to the slot receiver spot, which jacked up his production immensely. Even at age 34, Fitzgerald eclipsed 100 catches last year, just as he had the two years prior. The former outside receiver was one of the most productive slot receivers in the NFL last year.

Fitzgerald, who turns 35 just in time for the start of the 2018 season, has racked up gaudy stats despite unfortunate quarterback circumstances for much of his career. Aside from late-career renaissances from both Kurt Warner and Carson Palmer, Fitzgerald has not had much to work with over the years.

The most accomplished quarterback currently on Arizona’s roster is Blaine Gabbert, so they are expected to find a solution in free agency or, more likely, early in the draft.