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Around the NFC West: Larry Fitzgerald returns to Cardinals for 16th season
Jan 23, 2019 at 8:41 AM
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There was little chance he was going to hit free agency anyway, but the Arizona Cardinals made it official on Wednesday by re-signing veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald to a one-year contract. He will play his 16th NFL season in the desert.
"No player has meant more to this franchise or this community than Larry Fitzgerald," Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said via a statement. "In my discussions with him, it was clear that he is as driven and as passionate as ever. We are thrilled he'll be back for 2019."
Fitzgerald had 10 receptions for 137 yards with a touchdown in two victories over the 49ers last season, including an eight-catch, 102-receiving-yard performance during Week 8.
San Francisco has not beaten Arizona since the 2014 season when the two teams split the series with each winning at home.
Fitzgerald will play for a new head coach and within a new offensive system for his second-straight year. The Cardinals hired Kliff Kingsbury to replace Steve Wilks after the team finished with just three wins, including the two against the 49ers, in 2018.
"I don't know Kliff, but I've got a lot of friends who are friends with him," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Tuesday. "I hear he's a great guy. I know he's done some good things in college. I think it's a great opportunity for him. I know we'll be facing him twice a year. I'm sure I'll get to know him a little bit here but I've heard great things about him, and I'm glad he's in the league now."
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