Cardinals WR Christian Kirk hopes Larry Fitzgerald returns for 2021 season

It's almost July, and with NFL training camps set to open very soon, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald still has not announced whether or not he'll return to the field in 2021. 

Because of that, the Cardinals added A.J. Green this offseason, giving them flexibility at receiver. He joins DeAndre Hopkins, Andy Isabella and Christian Kirk on the offense. 

During a Wednesday morning interview on NFL Network, Kirk said he'd like Fitzgerald to return this season despite the position already being crowded. 

"You never know with Fitzy," Kirk said, according to Pro Football Talk. "He's kind of taking his time. A little longer this year, but he's done it like this in the past, where he takes his time and kind of does his own thing and then he'll decide. So we'll see.

"I know he loves the game and will always have love for the game. That's a big brother to me. I'm appreciative of every moment that I've had with him — on and off the field. I think I've definitely learned more, just how to carry myself as a professional off the field and building relationships with people. I'm super grateful for him. And going from him being my idol growing up living in Arizona, to now having him as family, my big brother — it's a special thing. But I hope to see him back on the field."

Despite the uncertainty, former Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson is convinced Fitzgerald will return, saying earlier this month that if he hasn't called it quits yet, then "he ain't gonna retire."

Fitzgerald is free to sign with any team, but he has spent his entire career in Arizona, catching 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns in 17 seasons.