Fitzgerald: Talks progressing with Cardinals

Larry Fitzgerald continues to say he wants to remain with the Cardinals. "I'm playing for the Cardinals so long as I possibly can," Fitzgerald said.

 Bordow: Don’t blame Cards for Fitzgerald mess

He also said, "We're making progress" in the ongoing talks over a long-term contract and that (general manager) "Rod Graves is working extremely hard, (coach) Ken Whisenhunt, everybody is doing their part to make this thing work."

On Friday, the agent for Alan Faneca blamed Fitzgerald's delay in re-doing his contract for costing the Cardinals a chance to land the well-regarded offensive lineman.

Rick Smith, Faneca's Chicago-based agent, said the day before Faneca signed with the New York Jets that, "Larry is going to cost them Alan Faneca. It's a fact."

Replied Fitzgerald, "In every situation, somebody has got to be the villain. I guess I'm that guy now.

But, he said, "In January, next year, when we're deep in the playoffs, this thing won't be an issue."

Fitzgerald, asked if he thinks a deal will be finished, said, "I definitely hope so.

"This is my home. I enjoy being here. I love my teammates. I love the organization. I definitely hope things can get worked out."

The Cardinals owe Fitzgerald $32 million over the next two years because of incentives the receiver reached, which is why the team wants to negotiate a long-term deal.

CARDS SIGN TUMAN
The Cardinals signed free agent tight end Jerame Tuman to a two-year contract Monday. The 6-foot-4, 253-pound Tuman appeared in six games (one start) with one reception for nine yards last season for Pittsburgh before being placed on injured reserve (back) on Nov. 14.

Known primarily as a blocking tight end, the 10th-year pro has spent his entire career with the Steelers after originally being drafted by Pittsburgh in the fifth round (135th overall) of the 1999 draft out of Michigan.

In nine seasons with the Steelers, Tuman appeared in 121 games (56 starts) with 43 receptions for 500 yards (11.6 yard average) and seven touchdowns. He also appeared in 10 playoff games with six starts, collecting seven receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown. He was released by Pittsburgh on Feb. 22.

LaBOY VISITS CARDINALS
Travis LaBoy likes the Cardinals. He hopes the Cardinals like him.

The free agent visited the Cardinals Monday and said he hopes to get a deal done.

LaBoy played as a defensive end for Tennessee, but said the Cardinals want to use him as an outside linebacker/rush end.

He also visited Cleveland but said, "I'm hoping to get something done here. I like Arizona a lot. The team is on the up-and-up, no question."

LaBoy, who played in college at Hawaii, was chosen in the second round (No. 42 overall) in 2004 by Tennessee. He's spent his entire career with the Titans.

LaBoy has had concussion problems throughout his four-year NFL career.

"I don't know how big the teams are worried about it. As for me, it's not really an issue," he said. "There are guys all over the league who have concussions. For me, it's past history. The future is bright. We'll see what happens."

In other free agent matters, the Cards may be interested in Rams linebacker Brandon Chillar, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.