The Facts: Following up on an ongoing story (find more HERE). ... The Cardinals have offered Fitzgerald $25 million in guaranteed money, but he wants more than the $32.5 million in guarantees that Lions WR Calvin Johnson got last year. But that guaranteed money was paid on a six-year deal. Fitzgerald's agent, Eugene Parker, wants more on a four-year deal.

Diehards Line:With Fitzgerald, who will count $14.6 million against this year's cap unless he agrees to a new deal, balking at that offer, SportsLine.com insider Pete Prisco believes a showdown is coming Friday. The Cardinals have offered to make Fitzgerald the highest-paid receiver in the league as well as the highest-paid player in team history. Prisco adds the deal they are offering, according to a team source, would make him the third highest-paid, non-quarterback in the league. Team officials have made it clear their ability to have an impact in free agency depends on Fitzgerald. HC Ken Whisenhunt reportedly outlined the realities of the situation in a sit-down with Fitzgerald in hopes the WR comes to grips with the need to be more reasonable. We shall see.