Arizona Cardinals contract extensions good for player, team
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals provided contract extensions to two of their top players Friday
As we reported earlier this afternoon, Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and quarterback Carson Palmer both received contract extensions. Both were extended by one year.
Fitz’s contract now takes him through 2017. Palmer’s contract now takes him through 2018. Fitz was scheduled to be a free agent after the 2016 season.
So why the move now? Neither was in any danger of leaving the Cardinals after the season. The only way they were likely leaving was via retirement after winning the Super Bowl. Of course, that could still happen.
Today’s move more signifies two things. First, surely the contract of Fitz won’t become a distraction during the season and there won’t be any tense moments of wondering again will he or won’t he leave Arizona.
For Palmer, some might be wondering why the Cardinals would be willing to add another year after getting burned by an ACL injury two days after his last extension in November 2014? Clearly the Cardinals love Palmer too and want to keep him here.
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The extensions also make sense from a financial standpoint for the team as well. It means the extension could free up some cap space, although the Cardinals did not say that was the case nor has anyone reported that could be the case.
The move also doesn’t mean both players remain here through the life of those contracts. Winning the Super Bowl, as I said though, could change all that.
The contracts though from the players standpoint though does show the Cardinals aren’t willing to part with either player anytime soon. They now likely both retire as Arizona Cardinals. Nothing is a given though.
The Cardinals front office this offseason continues to prove the complete 180 they have taken over the last three-plus years in terms of taking care of their own and rewarding those who perform well. Less than 20 years ago players like these guys were leaving for greener pastures due to lack of commitment from the front office. Now it’s time to go put their performances where their paychecks are.