NFL Trade Machine: Larry Fitzgerald To New England Patriots
By Erik Lambert
Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Larry Fitzgerald trade talk has been popular in the NFL for longer than most players. Could the New England Patriots be a prime landing spot?
Michael Floyd and Andre Ellington eating into Fitz touches
Most people will point to his massive contract as the primary issue Fitzgerald is considered trade bait. That is partly true. His salary cap figure for 2014 is only $8.6 million, but that will balloon to over $23 million in 2015. Unless the Arizona Cardinals do something their cap figure could go into the red next season. However, the reasons for moving him also stem from diminished importance in the offense. While he still has a key role under Bruce Arians, the emergence of Michael Floyd and Andre Ellington have eaten into his touches to the point where he’s not required to impact game as before. Together with the rise of promising rookie John Brown, the timing couldn’t be better for Arizona to move him.
Tom Brady making due with Brandon LaFell
The key of course will be finding a team that might want to “rent” Fitzgerald for the second half of the season. His cap figure is still manageable so it would have to be a team in contention for a championship. That of course would also be fine with him since a ring is the only thing he’s still playing for. The New England Patriots have been mentioned most often among teams who could make a move.
They are in full blown “win-now” mode with Tom Brady being 37-years old. Arming him with the best possible weapons is top priority while the window is still open. The Patriots have enough cap space to make a deal work. The question is do they feel they need an upgrade and if so, what are they willing to pay for it? After three-straight victories it seems like the Patriots offense is doing just fine with the services of receiver Brandon LaFell serving as the big outside target. If they feel he is capable of doing his job, there is no reason to give up valuable draft assets for a bigger, more expensive fish.
That being said, the Patriots would look like a far different animal in the AFC were they able to land Larry Fitzgerald. All NFL fans can do is wait and watch.