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Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald recognized as an elite receiver

By Larry Brake

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up during the NFL game against the New York Giants at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 23-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up during the NFL game against the New York Giants at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 23-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Larry Fitzgerald gets recognized as the Arizona Cardinals No. 1 receiver ,which translate into being an elite receiver.

Arizona Cardinals fans will agree that Larry Fitzgerald is the face of the franchise. Fitzgerald is entering his 15th season in Arizona, since being drafted in 2004. He does not appear to be slowing down.

Fitzgerald is the Cardinals all time receiving leader. Currently, he has caught 1,234 passes for 15,545 yards with 110 touchdowns. There is a great divide between him and the next receiver, statistically.

While Fitzgerald is the Cardinals best receiver, how does he rate among the other NFL receivers? Mike Clay of ESPN.com listed the leagues top receivers. Here is his assessment of Fitzgerald:

"Fitzgerald has led the Cardinals in targets each of the past 11 seasons. In fact, he paces the entire NFL in targets (1,469), receptions (904) and receiving yards (11,001) over the past decade…The future Hall of Famer is entering his age-35 campaign but remains clearly atop the target totem pole in Arizona."

How much longer will Fitzgerald play? He signed a one year, $11 million deal earlier this year, per spotrac.com. He will become a free agent in March 2019, when he is expected to contemplate retirement.

Fitzgerald could chase Jerry Rice’s records, but winning a Super Bowl is the crown jewel to grasp. Perhaps, he will gauge his future according to how this season plays out — especially how well he and Sam Bradford mesh in the offense.

Most of all, the other Cardinals receivers must relieve Fitzgerald of double coverage. J.J. Nelson is quoted by Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com:

"“Coming in and being labeled a deep-ball guy,” Nelson said, “I’ve been trying to put the total package together and I feel like with this offense, it can help me with that for sure.”"

Next: NFL 2018: Ranking the top 100 games of next season

Finally, if the other receivers emerge, Fitzgerald might play longer. The Super Bowl slipped away in 2008. As a result, winning the Lombardi Trophy might be in his sights. Expect another productive season for Fitzgerald in 2018 and enjoy the ride.

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