When one thinks of premier wideouts in today’s NFL, names such as Andre Johnson, Marquis Colston, Greg Jennings and Chad Ochocinco quickly come to mind. Other names such as DeSean Jackson, Miles Austin, Santonio Holmes and Reggie Wayne are also likely to be mentioned.
One name in particular that all NFL fans will agree is arguably the best wideout in the game today—Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals.
According to USA Today, The Arizona Cardinals have locked up the three-time All-Pro wideout to an eight-year, $120 million dollar deal, with $50 million guaranteed.
The deal will make Fitzgerald the fifth highest-paid player in the league, tying him with Oakland Raiders defensive end, Richard Seymour.
The signing of the 27-year old Fitzgerald along with the Cardinal’s inking of former Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback, Kevin Kolb, says that Arizona is serious about being contenders not only in the NFC, but for the Super Bowl.
The 6’3 218 pound Fitzgerald has been one of the best and most prolific players at his position since being drafted third overall out of Pittsburgh in 2004.
Fitzgerald has caught 613 receptions for 8,204 yards and 65 touchdowns, while averaging 13.3 yards per catch. Fitzgerald also led the NFC in receiving yards with 1,431 yards during Arizona’s run to the 2008 Super Bowl. He also ranks fourth all-time in receiving yards per game with 76.0
Since entering the league, Fitzgerald has also been selected to five Pro Bowls (2005, 2007-2010)and be named All-Pro three times (2007, 2008 and 2009). Most recently, Fitzgerald was ranked #14 on NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2011.
With the recent losses of wideouts, Anquan Boldin via trade to Baltimore and Steve Breaston in free agency to Kansas City, more will now be expected of Fitzgerald because of his big contract.
The Cardinals additions of Kolb at quarterback, Tood Heap at tight end, and Early Doucet ready to step into Breaston’s place opposite Fitzgerald as the new number two wideout, Fitzgerald will be glad to prove that Arizona’s big investment in him will pay big dividends in the future.
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