Fitgerald in for big pay day
Larry Fitzgerald has confirmed that he is a top five receiver in the NFL with a 100 reception 1,409 yards year. Which, means a big pay day is coming for him.
Fitzgerald having another big year means that teams must game plan specifically for him. Which, is hard when a healthy Anquan Boldin is on the other side.
The problem for the Cardinals is that Fitzgeralds cap number is $15 million. Most likely from incentives that were triggered by Fitzgerald performance on the feild. Then in 2009, his final year, his salary cap number will be $17 million
Those number mean a considerable bonus money for Fitzgerald. The franchise tag number for wide receivers is $7.9 million.
So, for the Cardinals to rework Fitzgerald’s contract it will at least cost them $16 million dollars. That is just to reduce his yearly cap numbers down to a respectable number. Then add on additional years you are talking about a range of $25-$30 million in up front money.
Fitzgerald is derfinately worth it without a doubt. You have seen what happened to the Dallas Cowboys when they were without Terrell Owens.
The main thing to do for the Cardinals is solve their quarterback controversy. Wether the team likes it, or not, Matt Leinart should be the starting quarterback in the 2008.
Leinart should be able to show strides with having the same coaching staff as last year. Everything is the same in regards to the offense. The only thing left to do is give Leinart the experience he needs on the field.
The fact of the matter is Leinart should not be given a long rope. If Leinart does not get things going by the halfway mark of the season then he most likely never will.
First thing is first for the Cardinals. That being they have to get Fitzgerald done, and the players contracts that are expiring on March 1st.