One of the key deadlines of the NFL offseason came and went yesterday: The free agency compensation window closed after two months. Consequently, every non-tendered free agent left on the market will no longer count against the formula, making it more attractive for teams to sign players.
One of the players benefitting from the deadline is wide receiver Michael Floyd, who finished the 2016 season on the New England Patriots’ active roster. Yesterday, the veteran free agent has found a new home, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
Former #Patriots & #AZCardinals WR Michael Floyd is signing with the #Vikings, sources say.
For the #Vikings and new WR Michael Floyd, it's a 1-year-deal worth roughly $1.5 million with incentives up to $6M, source said.
Floyd originally joined the Patriots in mid-December 2016. Following a DUI arrest, the Arizona Cardinals released their 2012 first round pick and he was claimed off waivers by New England. After being inactive the following week, Floyd made his Patriots debut in week 16 against the New York Jets; catching his first pass late in the fourth quarter.
The following week against the Miami Dolphins, Floyd had his best game for New England: He caught three passes for 36 yards and a touchdown and also delivered one of the most memorable blocks of the season. In terms of actual impact, this was the high-point of Floyd’s tenure as a Patriot. He only caught one more pass – during the divisional playoffs – and was inactive for the final two games of the year.
Floyd did, however, win a Super Bowl ring during his short stint in New England. Still, despite his draft pedigree and impressive athleticism, the Patriots did not opt to re-sign the unrestricted free agent. Instead, Floyd will now take his talents to the NFC North on a one-year, $1.5 million contract.