Father Time comes for all, and this Sunday could mark the end of the line for a handful of big-name players, including several likely first-ballot Hall of Famers.
Larry Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald is signed through the 2018 season, but said last week he's still undecided about playing another year at age 34.
If Fitzgerald does hang up his cleats, it won't be because he can no longer perform. The veteran wideout made his 11th career Pro Bowl in 2017 thanks to a 101-catch, 1,101-yard campaign through 15 games despite losing Carson Palmer for half the year.
One significant factor in Fitzgerald's upcoming decision is that he sits just 444 yards behind Terrell Owens for second in all-time receiving yards (Jerry Rice is untouchable in first place), an easily attainable goal if he returns next year and stays healthy. However, if the Cardinals tear it down in 2018, the face of the franchise could walk away.
Frank Gore
Gore is hoping to play in 2018, and has yet to rule out a return to the Colts. However, 34-year-old running backs don't usually decide their own future; the league does it for them.
Gore has been a reliable workhorse, but his deficiencies caused by his age is holding the offense back. Indy's likely to move on. While it's possible another team brings him in for 2018 as a potential backup, it's more likely Gore is forced into retirement.
Still, like Fitzgerald, a gold jacket awaits.
Jay Cutler
Cutler said Wednesday he wants to continue to play after restarting his career following a short-lived offseason move into the broadcast booth. But, again, older players often don't have a choice - especially ones who won't accept a backup job, as Cutler confirmed he wouldn't for 2018.
The Dolphins' veteran signal-caller was initially forced to retire due to the lack of interest in his services. Only the perfect opening with his former coach Adam Gase in Miami caused him to suit back up.
So, it's highly unlikely Cutler will garner significant interest after a year in which he's failed to look like a starting-caliber player for the majority of the campaign. The free-agent quarterback market is expected to be stronger than usual this offseason, too.
It becomes evident that Cutler is likely headed back to the booth, where he has the potential to match Tony Romo's successful and lauded move into broadcasting.
Dwight Freeney
Freeney's career appeared to be over after a mostly anonymous two-year stint with the then-San Diego Chargers in 2013-14. Instead, the defensive end experienced a resurgence late in his career, racking up a total of 17 sacks over the next three seasons while playing for the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and his current team, the Detroit Lions.
Unfortunately, Freeney won't get one last shot to make noise in January, as the Lions were bounced from playoff contention in embarrassing fashion in Week 17, losing to the lowly Cincinnati Bengals
But the 37-year-old is still one of the best pass-rushers to ever step onto an NFL field. Watching Freeney give an offensive tackle fits with his patented spin move one last time makes even the meaningless Lions-Green Bay Packers game in Week 17 must-see TV.
Antonio Gates
Gates has been synonymous with the Chargers franchise for 15 years. He almost retired at the end of last season, but opted to return with the all-time touchdown record in his sights (he caught his 112th score in Week 1).
Week 17 might not be Gates' final hurrah, though, as the Chargers remain in the playoff hunt. However, they need help to secure their first postseason berth since 2013.
The Chargers already have their next potential elite tight end in Hunter Henry, so Gates is free to walk off into the sunset as one of the rare players to spend an entire career with one franchise.
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
