The Facts:
Fitzgerald's deal includes a clause that prevents the Cardinals from slapping their franchise tag on him after this season, according to two sources who have reviewed the contract. Not only does Fitzgerald's contract include a no-franchise-tag clause, but it also contains a version of a no-trade clause, sources said.
Reported by ESPN.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As ESPN's Adam Schefter notes, this means that if Fitzgerald is not signed to an extension before his contract expires at the end of this season, he would have the ability to leave Arizona in the off-season, without any restrictions. With this as a backdrop, Fitzgerald and the Cardinals already have been discussing a new contract extension. ... As Schefter noted, Fitzgerald would prefer to remain in Arizona, where he is said to enjoy playing for HC Ken Whisenhunt, according to a source familiar with the wide receiver's thinking. He is pleased with the Cardinals' aggressive approach in landing a new quarterback, Kevin Kolb. And despite his leverage, those close to Fitzgerald insist he wants to negotiate a fair deal, nothing more. But if the two sides struggle to get it done this summer, Fitzgerald could be faced with the career-shaping decision of committing to Arizona or testing the free-agent market after this season.
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