combine022408.notes

Fitzgerald to the Purple? Don't count on it

A Cardinals executive says that despite the Pro Bowl receiver's contract situation, the team has no plans on trading the former Holy Angels standout.

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: February 23, 2008 - 11:29 PM

More from Vikings

INDIANAPOLIS — The Vikings' need for a top-flight receiver would make Holy Angels graduate Larry Fitzgerald Jr. a seemingly very attractive option considering his contract issues with the Arizona Cardinals. Only one problem: Arizona isn't planning to move the two-time Pro Bowl selection.

"We're negotiating with Larry to try to restructure his deal," Rod Graves, Cardinals vice president of football operations, said Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "At this point, we do know that he's going to remain a Arizona Cardinal. He has a huge cap number going into the '08 season, so obviously we're trying to restructure it. But regardless of whether we have success with that or not he will remain a Cardinal. We will not trade him."

And then Graves backtracked a bit, saying: "Let me just say this, that's certainly not our intention. I never say never to anything."

Fitzgerald, four seasons into his six-year rookie contract, is slated to count a whopping $16 million against Arizona's salary cap in 2008. By catching 330 passes for 4,544 yards and 34 touchdowns in his NFL career, he has reached several escalator clauses built into his contract. Fitzgerald, 24, caught 100 passes for 1,409 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

According to a recent report in the Arizona Republic, the Cardinals are believed to have made a multiyear offer that would make him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.

Randle fan

Former Notre Dame and Apple Valley High School defensive tackle Trevor Laws was among the draft prospects who met the media Saturday at the combine. Laws said he grew up a fan of the team and former Pro Bowl defensive tackle John Randle.

"I love everything about him," Laws said of Randle. "The way he plays, the way he paints his face. He's a crazy guy. He's just a little ball of muscle, a ball of energy."

Laws has good reason for appreciating Randle's ability. Randle was listed at 6-1 and around 290 pounds during his career. Laws is listed at 6-1 and 297 pounds.

Laws has never met Randle but watches tape of him. "I just watch his footwork and see how him being a smaller guy can just throw around these bigger guys," Laws said.

Etc.

• Vikings coach Brad Childress confirmed the team and the agent for safety Mike Doss have "mutually agreed" to let the veteran test the free-agent market. Doss played in only eight games last season.

• The Scout.com reports the Vikings are expected to pursue Bengals free safety Madieu Williams when free agency opens Thursday.

• Word out of Miami is that the Vikings have interest in free-agent quarterback Cleo Lemon, who started seven games for the Dolphins in 2007.

Comment on this story | Read all 45 comments | Hide reader comments

Share photos and videos now

Was at the Vikes vs Jags game, and was right behind the Vikes bench!! It was great!! This is a great shot of Peterson and Rice after a good run by AP.

See thousands of photos from other StarTribune.com readers and share your own photos and video today.