Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians wants Larry Fitzgerald back

TEMPE, Ariz. -- When Bruce Arians introduced Carson Palmer as the Arizona Cardinals' starting quarterback in 2013, he said he could envision a moment in time in the not too distance future where both men would ride off into the sunset together and call it an NFL career.

For the past month and a half or so, there have been whispers that a third - wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald - might be joining them and that the end for all three could be coming at the conclusion of the 2016 season, which has been a total failure for the 5-8-1 Cardinals.

Though Fitzgerald, 33, was a bit murky and mysterious when he was asked that very question on national radio on Monday night, suggesting retirement isn't on his mind at the moment - Arians and Palmer both said they don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

"That sunset ride, them horses ain't ready to go yet," Arians said as he and the Cardinals prepared for Saturday afternoon's game in Seattle against the Seahawks.

Palmer, who turns 37 on Dec. 27, said after Sunday's 48-41 loss to the Saints that he expects to keep playing and wants to come back. He has two more years remaining on his contract and when asked about his future plans again on Tuesday, he didn't seem surprised that the subject came up once again.

"I haven't thought what people think about it, don't really concern myself with that," he said. "Just very focused on these last two games and finishing the season the right way."

Fitzgerald was given a one-year extension entering this season. Given that he's leading the league with 98 receptions and was just named to his 10th Pro Bowl, it would seem he has more than enough left in the tank to keep playing, should he so choose.

"Like every year, the same team never comes back," Arians said. "Obviously, he would be a big part of it, not coming back, if he decides to retire. I hope he comes back."

Arians and Palmer said they have not talked to Fitzgerald about the receiver's future, but Palmer said he'd probably tell Fitzgerald to stick around if he feels Fitzgerald is on the fence.

"You always try to convince guys, but guys need to make a decision regardless who it is," Palmer said.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll weighed in on the situation and said he thinks there's "no chance" Fitzgerald will walk away after this season.

"No, he's going to keep coming. I just think that's who he is," Carroll said. "I think he's just going to keep battling. He's still playing great football - 98 catches, shoot, he's going to have 100-plus for the season this year. He's got too much football ahead of him."

--Head coach Bruce Arians said he's been able to trust defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche more and more as of late because the rookie has finally figured out what it takes to be a pro. As a result, Nkemdiche figures to see his most game action of the season when the Cardinals play at Seattle on Saturday.

"He's learned what professional football is all about," Arians said. "You're a highly-recruited guy and you go into the SEC as one of the top players, you don't necessarily have to be a pro or work hard because you're more talented than everybody. When you get here, you're just another guy. So, you have to learn all that, and it's a shock to some of them. They have to learn how to be a pro, on and off the field."

Arians said it didn't used to take this long for players to come of age. Asked why it takes them longer to mature nowadays, he said, "Society has changed."