1. Larry Fitzgerald
NFL career stats: 232 starts, 1,303 receptions, 16,279 yards, 116 touchdowns, 60.5% catch rate
What more can be said about Larry Fitzgerald that already hasn’t been said? He’s a sure-fire Hall of Famer (@Max Kellerman) and is second to Jerry Rice in all-time receiving yards and third behind Rice and Tony Gonzalez in receptions. Even better, the 35-year-old has continued to be productive in both outside and slot roles.
After three straight 100+ reception, 1,000+ yard seasons Fitzgerald slowed down in an anemic McCoy-Leftwich offense. Though he led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2018, his stat line dipped to 69/734/6. Many thought he’d retire after showing signs of aging, but he instead re-upped for another year and pictures to be a focal point heading into 2019.
At this point of his career, Fitzgerald won’t be able to carry the workload for his team. He’s simply not the athlete that he used to be. But he should continue to produce as his experience, understanding of multiple concepts, natural hands, and leadership will be much needed for the new-look, youth-infused Cardinals.
Luckily, with promising rookies, sophomores, and veteran additions in-fold, Fitzgerald won’t be forced into a high workload. Instead, expect for him to start and see snaps in the slot or boundary. He’ll ultimately cede snaps to the younger players that figure to be crucial to the team’s future, but NFL fans everywhere should be glad he’ll continue to wear red on his way to Canton next year.
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