Speculation about Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's contract status with the team has been a hot topic of discussion around training camp thus far, but there might be one Cardinal that impacts his decision more than most; quarterback Kevin Kolb.
Their chemistry began long before camp did as the two took part in a week's worth of offseason workouts together, growing comfortable with each other's styles and their mindsets about the game. This is the first time since Kurt Warner's departure that Fitz will have a legit QB diming him out game after game, which would make any WR excited, especially one with the talent of Fitzgerald.
With Fitz's contract expiring at the end of the season, the Cardinals needed to show him they are willing to do what it takes to have a winning club, and with Kolb intact it certainly looks like they are headed in that direction, on paper anyway. The team wants Fitz to sign a lengthy extension, up to six years even, that would put him om track to retire a Cardinal and make the most of their window of opportunity with him. He currently has a 'no franchise' clause in his present contract, and a self imposed September 4 deadline to have a new deal in place, meaning the sands of the hourglass are stating to run out on both Fitz and the Cardinals to get a deal done.
Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter was at Cards camp to speak with Fitz about the situation, and lo and behold, he didn't have much to say:
How close are the sides?
"Closer than we were last week," Fitzgerald said.
How far are they from reaching an agreement?
"Not too far away," he added.
My gut feeling: An extension will be finalized before Fitzgerald's stated deadline.
Fitz is playing this one close to the chest, but for the Cardinals sake I hope Trotter's gut feeling is right.
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