The Arizona Cardinals lost quarterback Carson Palmer and head coach Bruce Arians to retirement, but veteran receiver Larry Fitzgerald has at least one more season in him.
According to team reporter Mark Dalton, new coach Steve Wilks said Fitzgerald informed him Wednesday night he would return. Wilks was appearing on 98.7 FM when he revealed the wideout’s decision.
That’s a huge boost for an Arizona squad that finished 8-8 last season, since Fitzgerald was the most productive receiver.
Six players caught at least 20 passes for the Cardinals, but only the Pitt product amassed more than 33. Fitzgerald collected 109 receptions for 1,156 yards — the ninth 1,000-yard effort of his 14-year career — and six touchdowns.
The front office must address the position in free agency and the 2018 NFL draft, but Fitzgerald’s return will give Arizona both a reliable target and the league’s best veteran leadership at the position.