Image courtesy of Vikings.com
The NFL draft may be over, but the fun is just beginning.
According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, the Minnesota Vikings have taken interest in former Arizona Cardinals first-round pick and Minnesota native Michael Floyd. Matthew Coller of 1500 ESPN noted Wolfson’s report in a recent article analyzing the prospect of Minnesota adding the troubled wide receiver.
Wolfson has discussed Minnesota’s interest in the Cretin-Derham Hall high school alumnus both on Twitter and periodically on his podcast “The Scoop” over the past several days, as noted by Vikings enthusiast Andrew Renschen:
Floyd, who was released by Arizona two days after the former No. 13 overall picked was arrested for driving while intoxicated, finished the 2016 season with the New England Patriots. He recorded four receptions, 42 yards and one touchdown in two games with the Patriots but was inactive for their historic come-from-behind victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl.
The former Notre Dame standout has since generated very little reported interest during free agency, but ESPN’s John Clayton may have cracked the code. Floyd’s well-documented DUI arrest ultimately resulted in a court-ordered 24-day jail sentence, which effectively hit the pause button on the wide receiver’s future.
“[Michael] Floyd’s free-agency move was put on hold while he served a 24-day jail sentence,” Clayton noted. “Interest should pick up soon for the former first-round pick.”
Interest in Floyd, as expected, has picked up recently with Wolfson also reporting that the Washington Redskins could also be honing in on the red-zone mismatch.
Minnesota, which has been plagued by red zone inefficiency in recent seasons, selected mismatch Virginia Tech “tight end” Bucky Hodges during the sixth round of the draft, but Floyd’s 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame would still be a welcomed addition to a receiving corps that has lacked his talent since Sidney Rice departed for the Seattle Seahawks after the 2010 season.
Larry Fitzgerald paves the way for a Michael Floyd touchdown against Minnesota in 2015.
Floyd’s size and physicality has created issues for defensive backs throughout his career, particularly in one-on-one jump-ball situations in contained spaces — such as the red zone. In fact, 2016 was the first year since Floyd’s rookie campaign that he failed to register at least five touchdowns.
Minnesota has plenty of talent on a wide receiver depth chart led by Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, but the group lacks certainty in the physical, big-body pass-catcher department. Returning Floyd to the state where it all began — at the very least — would allow the Vikings to be more patient with soon-to-be second-year wide receiver and 2016 first-round pick Laquon Treadwell while still setting quarterback Sam Bradford up with every weapon he needs to take the Pat Shurmur’s offense to the next level.
Update: Vikings Territory has confirmed the report that Minnesota is interested in the prospect of signing Floyd. The Vikings have been in cellular contact with the former Cardinal wide receiver periodically over the past 48 hours, but no official contract offer has been made yet.
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Floyd was a great prospect who turned out to be "just a guy" as a pro. That the Vikings are showing interest does not bode well for Jarius Wright, MoBo, or Laquan Treadwell.
What about victor Cruz not as fast but good hands
In addition, there was this attempt for Jeffrey
MoBo fittingly rhymes with no. Fitting because that's what his odds of success are in the NFL.
JW hasn't gotten his due playing time but Floyd wouldn't spell the immediate end of his time.
It would create immediate competition for LT.
If his head is screwd on right- Do it! If not, sign Bouldin, who might be better mentor for Not-so - Treadwell.
Not going to let expectations get too high for either his signing or his contributions this season, but I really do hope this works out for both parties. Unlike Anquan Boldin (who would merely take Treadwell's place for another year) Floyd is a great complimentary player to what the Vikings already have and would fit in great with Bradford's deep accuracy. Plus, I would just like to see Michael get right and think that coming home might be a good way for him to do that.
It doesn't hurt to bring him in on a non-guaranteed contract for camp. I'm actually a little more interested in having Boldin come to camp to provide some leadership to the young group, but with a new position coach this year, they may not want a veteran player giving mixed viewpoints. May 9th is the day to watch as that is the date FA signings no longer count in the compensation pick formula. I wouldn't expect a move before then.
Remember Koren Robinson? Proceed cautiously with drunks.
Remember Jared Allen?
I believe Norv already gave Treadwell the patient don't play treatment. Let the kid play and target him more than 3 times this year. Arizona note: Treadwell should play slot like Fitzgerald does now. Tie into blocking run blocking schemes other than stalk blocks and kill people on matchups vs LBers & SS, I think Theielen should be X. Diggs Should be Z. Treadwell be a real difference maker for Edge Run, Pass & Screen Game in the slot. Agree?
I'm more interested in getting Calvin Pyror if released from the Jets. I would also interested in another vet on the offensive line - maybe Mangold, I have concerns of starting a Elflein at center off the bat. I wouldn't mind Floyd on the cheap though. Treadwell must not be there yet, first Jeffrey now Floyd.
I would not mind seeing Floyd in purple. I also can't wait to see what Adams & Coley have to offer as Wr and also kick returnee.
Floyd is on house arrest until mid June. Wouldn't expect to hear anything until then.
Chad -
This is incorrect. He's in Arizona, free as a bird. Not sure where this rumor came from.
- BJ Reidell
Floyd would be a definite upgrade over Cordarelle Patterson, which we can't assume Treadwell or even Wright would be, and they are the currently leading candidates for WR3, in the slot or on the outside. I don't think Wright has a future with the team, and Zimmer and Co. are clearly not fully confident in Treadwell, yet, so Floyd makes sense on a one- or two-year deal.
I'm still hoping that MoBo can give Adams a run for the kickoff returner job.