Fitzgerald and Thomas Get Paid

Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas are considered two of the best at their positions in the NFL. Fortunately for them, they are two of the most highly regarded and highest paying positions in the league.  Both just got re-signed by their respective teams.  The two contracts combined are a total of 15 years for $204 million.

Even without consistent quarterback play last season in Arizona, Fitzgerald had 90 catches.  Fitzgerald was the 3rd overall pick by the Cardinals in the 2004 draft.  He had a career high 103 receptions in 2005.  He has been to the Pro Bowl 5 times already.  He also helped lead the Cardinals to the Super Bowl in a loss to the Steelers inthe 2008-2009 season.  Anquon Boldin and Kurt Warner were also on that team.

Boldin is in Baltimore and Warner is retired.  Last season the Cardinals went 5-11 along with starting three different quarterbacks (including two rookies).  Arizona ranked 31st in passing.  But, Fitzgerald still had over 1,000 yards receiving.  The team went out and traded for former Philadelphia backup Kevin Kolb to be their long-term starter in the desert.  Last week Arizona rewarded Fitzgerald by giving him an 8 year, $120 million deal.

Joe Thomas was the 3rd overall pick by the Browns in the 2007 NFL draft out of Wisconsin.  Thomas is a 4 time Pro Bowler.    He has played in every game with Cleveland since debuting against the Steelers in the 2007.  On July 22nd, the Browns locked the 6′6″ 311 pound offensive tackle to a 7 year, $84 million contract.

Left tackles in the NFL are so important because in most cases they protect a quarterback’s blind side.  Obviously receivers are important not only to the offense in the passing game, but fans love to watch a great wideout like Fitzgerald playing the game at its highest level.  The thing about both of these players is that they play the game the right way.  You don’t hear alot of noise from them or entertaining press conferences.  They are just football players that let their play do the talking.