Fitzgerald contract could be worth up to $60 million

Monday, Aug. 2, 2004 | 10:52 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, the third overall pick in April's National Football League draft, agreed to a six-year contract today that could be worth up to $60 million with the Arizona Cardinals.

About $20 million is guaranteed money, said a source close to the negotiations, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Fitzgerald missed this morning's practice in pads, but was expected for the afternoon half of the first two-a-days of training camp.

The agreement came four days after quarterback Eli Manning and offensive lineman Robert Gallery, the only players drafted ahead of Fitzgerald in April, signed with their teams. Manning also received a $20 million signing bonus from the New York Giants.

Fitzgerald, a former ball boy for Minnesota when new Cardinals coach Dennis Green was coaching the Vikings, left the University of Pittsburgh after his sophomore year. In 26 college games, he finished third in Pitt history in catches (161) and fourth in yards receiving (2,677).

The 6-foot-2, 223-pound wideout, considered one of the most physical and gifted receivers to come out of college in years, was Green's choice for the first round selection from the time Green agreed in January to coach the Cardinals.

Bell, the Broncos' second-round draft pick, had two pins inserted in his finger. It will be immobilized for a few days and then Bell will start rehabilitation. His injury may be a setback in the team's attempt to find a replacement for Clinton Portis, who was traded to the Washington Redskins.

Turley underwent an MRI exam Saturday night, and on Sunday he was driving back to St. Louis. He also talked of possibly meeting with a back specialist in Los Angeles.