Clayton: Fitzgerald signing is independent from Arians and Palmer
Nov 18, 2017, 8:01 AM | Updated: 8:15 pm
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) waves during the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints , Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
In the aftermath of the one-year, $11 million contract extension for the Cardinals and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, some questions still remain.
Will Fitzgerald actually return next season and forego retirement?
What does the signing mean for Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Carson Palmer?
ESPN insider John Clayton spoke with Doug and Wolf on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station shortly after the signing was announced Friday to provide some clarity.
Clayton called the contract extension “the best news this month,” touching on the future of the Cardinals if Fitzgerald were to suit up in 2018, including head coach Bruce Arians.
“It offers good hope for the Cardinals as far as being able to stay relevant and stay good for the next year,” he said. “Do I think Larry took this deal with the idea that Bruce is coming back? No.”
In 2016, the 65-year-old Arians was hospitalized in the preseason and was treated for chest pains following a loss to the Vikings in November. It was later revealed in Arians’ book that he had been diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in December of the same season.
Clayton, however, added that there was thought of Arians returning next season, especially if an opportunity to develop a young quarterback presents itself.
“Bruce is intrigued with the idea to work with a young quarterback,” Clayton said. “That is something he loves to do.”
Similar to Arians, the future of quarterback Carson Palmer remains in a haze. The former No. 1 overall pick currently resides on IR due to a broken arm suffered against the Rams in Week 7. In August of 2016, Palmer agreed to a one-year extension to put his contract through the 2018 season.
Last season, the 37-year-old waited until February to announce his return to Arizona.
While the situations may seem similar, Clayton insists that Fitzgerald signing the extension remains independent of Arians and Palmer. Although, he says it gives the Cardinals good insight knowing they potentially have their top receiver locked in for 2018.
“It offers good, positive things for the organization knowing they have at least one back,” he said. “The chance is there for Bruce and we will see about Carson.”
