Future uncertain once again for Arizona Cardinals legend

Arizona Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald is once again fielding questions about whether he’ll continue his NFL playing career

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson has made a request. No, it’s not an expanded role in the offense that the club’s star runner is asking for. What Johnson wants would be much easier for the Cardinals to grant, actually.

It seems that Arizona’s third-round draft pick in 2015 would be thrilled to have a Larry Fitzgerald jersey that he can call his own. Johnson is well aware that he’s been taking the field with a great player for the past four seasons. Possessing a replica of the one of the NFL’s all-time greatest performers would be an awesome thing, even for an individual who’s famous in his own right.

Now that his 15th professional season is winding down, Fitzgerald is once again fielding questions about whether he’ll retire or not. However, the circumstances surrounding the subject will be a bit different this coming offseason.

Just a year ago, Fitzgerald was coming off of his third consecutive 100-plus reception campaign. Unfortunately, the 35-year old will not come close to the century mark in catches this time around. With two games remaining, Fitzgerald has tallied just 59 catches for 645 yards and five touchdowns.

Is the drop in production a sign that the 11-time Pro Bowler’s skills are eroding? Fitzgerald’s statistics are certainly pedestrian this season. Are the future Hall of Famer’s best days behind him?

Not necessarily. The Cards’ current offense is arguably the worst in the history of the franchise. Horrendous coaching, a lack of weapons and a rookie quarterback have all had a negative effect on Fitzgerald’s numbers.

Whether Fitzgerald will return in 2019 is dependent on a variety of factors. Obviously, he’ll have to have the desire to want to push his aging body through another rigorous campaign. Fitzgerald will probably also want to see what kind of changes that the Cardinals’ front office will be willing to make.

The 15-year veteran, as usual, isn’t tipping his hand. It’s hard to imagine Arizona going forward without the best player they’ve ever employed. One thing’s for sure, the annual retirement question will be answered by Fitzgerald soon enough.