The bar has been set.
And it’s very, very high.
The Arizona Cardinals and Larry Fitzgerald agreed to an eight-year deal worth $120 million. The deal will pay the star receiver $15 million per year, making him the top-paid player at his position and the fifth-highest in average annual value.
Fitzgerald’s contract could have huge ramifications around the NFL, especially in regard to DeSean Jackson. The Eagles’ star wideout has one year left on his rookie deal and is seeking a big payday. Jackson posted the following message on his Twitter account: “Congrats to my Big bro @LarryFitzgerald!! Well deserved.. Wideouts ballin!!”
Jackson isn’t commenting about his contract situation. After holding out for 12 days, he showed up at camp and promised not to be a distraction.
“At the end of the day, man, I’m just going to keep going out there with a smile on my face regardless of ups and downs,” Jackson said. “I know where my destination is, and my destiny is to be here and to be an Eagle.”
Still, the wheels have to be spinning right now.
Jackson figures to net a deal worth about $10 million per year, in the same neighborhood as the one the Jets gave Santonio Holmes. But will the Birds’ brass be as generous?
The Eagles will point out Jackson’s slight frame and concussion history, while Jackson’s camp will push his playmaking ability.
The two sides already had a lot to talk about. And now — thanks to Fitzgerald — they have even more.
