f the Cardinals would have traded Fitzgerald a year ago it would have cost the team at least $10 million in cap space, and maybe as much as $15 million, according to reports. But if Fitzgerald were traded this year, Arizona would save $8 million against the cap, according to overthecap.com.
But the Patriots would still have to take on the $66.5 million still owed to Fitzgerald if a deal were made, though none of the money would be guaranteed, meaning he could be cut by a new team at any point. His current includes a base salary of $12.75 million in 2014, $8 million in 2015, $15 million in 2016 and $14.75 million in both 2017 and 18.
With numbers that large, a trading team would likely look to restructure his deal to lower to his cap number. The fact that he will count $18 million against the cap for Arizona next season would be the driving force behind any trade, though Fitzgerald said Thursday that he would be willing restructure his deal.
"If that's what needs to be done, that's what needs to be done," he said.
That doesn't necessarily mean he's willing to take a pay cut, which could still motivate Arizona to make a deal. But considering that the Cardinals finished 10-6, placing them just outside of the playoff picture, it's hard to envision a trade happening.
