The 31-year-old would be due over $23 million next season, including $8 million for being on the roster at the end of March. While the front office is still hopeful a deal to restructure his contract could keep the former first round pick in the desert, those close to the situation believe he has played his last game with the Cards.
Fitzgerald was the third overall pick back in 2004 by Arizona and the former Pitt Panther has been nothing short of spectacular, on and off the field, but the NFL is a business and money issues eventually effect the way things are handled.
With over 900 career receptions, including 89 touchdown catches, several teams from around the league are bound to have interest in the veteran.
The latest reports from Bleacher Report have the Oakland Raiders as a potential landing spot as the Silver and Black look to add some weapons for their young quarterback Derek Carr. GM Reggie McKenzie is trying to add some veteran talent in hopes of rebuilding the franchise and adding a player like ‘Fitz’ would be a great move for the team on the field, but an even better move for the Raiders off the field with all the charity and good will the wide out does for those less fortunate.
New England is another team that could eventually talk the former All Pro into joining, especially if winning a championship is a priority in the twilight of his career. The Patriots lack a big play wide receiver and paired with Tom Brady could prove wise, but money could become a sticking point between the two sides, costing the Pats a shot at adding the type of receiver they have lacked since Randy Moss last played in the NFL.
