Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald: Role in offense will limit production
Entering his 12th NFL season, Larry Fitzgerald said Wednesday that his role in the Arizona Cardinals' offense might result in diminished production.
The eight-time Pro Bowl receiver told 98.7 FM in Phoenix that although "there's no question" he can still play at a high level, his prime years might be in his past. Fitzgerald, 32 in August, caught 63 passes for 784 yards and two touchdowns last season, and he has not posted a thousand-yard season since 2011.
• Report: Greg Jennings to sign with Dolphins
"No, it's not possible," he said. "And it's only that reason because of the role that I play. It's a different role. I just don't have the opportunities down the field. I'm more inside, I move the chains a lot more.
"In terms of putting up the big numbers, it will be difficult, but in terms of my effectiveness, of providing first downs, being able to make tough catches for my team, I'm still going to be able to do that."
Fitzgerald signed a two-year, $22 million deal with the Cardinals in February, reportedly saving the team about $13 million in cap space for next season.
The No. 3 pick in the 2004 draft, Fitzgerald its the Cardinals' all-time leader in catches (909), receiving yards (12,151) and touchdowns (89).
• 2015 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Bolts nab Marcus Mariota; Todd Gurley climbs
Aside from Fitzgerald, the Cardinals again have Michael Floyd, John Brown and Jaron Brown at wide receiver. Fitzgerald and John Brown tied for the team lead with 103 receptions last season, while Floyd led with 841 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Arizona finished 11–5, losing to the Carolina Panthers in the first game of the playoffs.
- Mike Fiammetta
