The New England Patriots claimed WR Michael Floyd late in the 2016 regular season after the receiver was let go by the Arizona Cardinals in the wake of a DUI. The former 2012 1st round pick has played a depth and scout team role, stepping into the starting lineup as Danny Amendola and Malcolm Mitchell were dealing with injuries.
Mitchell was healthy enough to return in the AFC Championship Game, resulting in Floyd sitting as a healthy scratch. Despite his position on the depth chart, Floyd wants a chance to win a starting job in New England next season, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
“I hope to be back in Foxborough,” Floyd told Reiss. “I love it here. I hope that I can make that happen, for sure.”
Floyd turned heads in the season finale for his tough play on a huge block to spring WR Julian Edelman and for dragging half the Miami Dolphins defense into the end zone. He believes that he could contribute more to the Patriots next season with a full offseason in the program.
“I think it’s always something you’re comfortable with,” Floyd said. “Obviously, I came into this team late, but I learned the offense, and that’s something you want to keep doing and become even more productive for next year. That’s what I’m really looking forward to, getting better with the offense here and just moving forward.”
Floyd averaged 100 targets, 55 receptions, 910 yards, and 6 touchdowns per year with the Cardinals from 2013-15, so he clearly has talent and ability to produce in the NFL. He would be vying with 2016 4th round WR Malcolm Mitchell for a starting outside receiver role.
The 27-year-old Floyd could sign a one-year deal to try and flip a productive season into a big contract in 2018, but a more realistic Patriots signing would include a second-year option to both spread out Floyd’s cap hit and give the team an opportunity to bring him back in 2018 if he breaks out.