Larry Fitzgerald

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirms Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will return for the 2017 season. The NFL Insider added that Fitzgerald is "feeling 'back to normal' physically" and that his "desire to win and compete still burns," citing his reasons for returning to play out the final year of his contract.

Fantasy Impact

Fitzgerald will, in fact, play in 2017, after months of contemplating retirement. With a Fitzgerald return, it is believed that he and Cardinals signal caller, Carson Palmer, are "tied at the hip," meaning he is likely to play next season as well -- although Palmer's return is not yet official. Despite Fitzgerald's decision to play another year, it is a likely scenario that the Cardinals address the wide receiver position this offseason in the draft, or via free agency -- planning for the future.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald told the media that he'll make a decision on his playing future "pretty soon."

Fantasy Impact

Fitzgerald has been contemplating retirement throughout the 2016 season. However, he has yet to come to a decision. If he decides to walk away from the game, he'll be a first-ballot Hall of Fame candidate in five years. For the Cardinals, they will have a tremendous void to fill on the field, and in a leadership role in the locker room if Fitzgerald indeed retires. Expect the Cardinals to address the wide receiver position this offseason even if Fitzgerald remains with the club.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Arizona Cardinals are unsure if wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will return next season.

Fantasy Impact

Similar to the Carson Palmer scenario, Rapoport said sources close to the Cardinals believe Fitzgerald will return in 2017, while league sources believe he will walk away and retire. However, different from Palmer, Fitzgerald, 33, continues to play well despite his age. After moving to the slot in 2015, Fitzgerald had a career resurgence that extended into 2016. He put together back to back seasons with at least 107 receptions, 1,023 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Although Fitzgerald told friends that 2016 would be his final year in the league, he has yet to announce his retirement, leaving the door open for a 2017 return.

Larry Fitzgerald caught five of seven targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in the Cardinals' Week 17 win over the Rams. Fitzgerald's five catches gave him 107 on the season, which led the NFL.

Fantasy Impact

Fitzgerald also topped 1,000 yards on the season with his 43 on Sunday, and caught his sixth touchdown. In non-PPR leagues, it was actually a down fantasy season for Fitzgerald, who struggled with low yardage totals and few touchdowns. It remains to be seen whether Fitzgerald will return in 2017, but, if so, he'll remain a solid WR3.

Larry Fitzgerald caught all four of his pass attempts for 31 yards on Saturday against Seattle.

Fantasy Impact

Fitzgerald hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 5, and has surpassed 100 yards receiving just once this season. While Fitzgerald should pass 1,000 yards receiving on the season next week against the Rams, he's been a disappointment from a fantasy perspective in 2016. Consider him a low-end WR3 in Week 17.