Minnesota Vikings: Michael Floyd could help fortify offense
The Minnesota Vikings are bringing Michael Floyd back to the state in which he grew up, hoping that a trip home will maximize his potential.
Michael Floyd was born in St. Paul, MN and didn’t leave the land of 10,000 lakes until he moved to South Bend, IN to attend Notre Dame. In college, he went on on and create many invaluable relationships, specifically with former Fighting Irish players like Harrison Smith and Kyle Rudolph. Minnesota Vikings general manager Spielman and the team hope that signing the talented wideout and bringing Floyd back to his roots with a few of his former teammates in college will influence a turnaround on the field and off it.
As many know, 2016 wasn’t exactly the greatest of years for the former Arizona Cardinal and short-term New England Patriot. This was by far his worst year professionally as a football player, watching him produce a career low in catches and yards while playing for two teams.
In December 2016, Floyd was also arrested for a DUI, resulting in the former first-round pick being cut by the Cardinals, who he had spent his entire career playing for to that point. The Patriots soon picked him up afterwards, though he wasn’t much of a factor in New England either.
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It is suspected that the wide receiver will receive some sort of disciplinary action from the league following his arrest from last season, but still his potential is sky-high if given the opportunity in Minnesota.
The Vikings lack a real red zone threat and big body on the outside besides tight end Kyle Rudolph. Last year’s first-round pick, Laquon Treadwell, was supposed to be that guy, but still has yet to prove himself in the NFL. Floyd has done as much, producing a 1,000-yard season back in 2013, while posting back to back seasons of 800+ yards the two years following.
The writing is on the wall for all the offensive pieces on the roster for the Vikings. Either produce, or somebody else will. The receiver room will now be stock full of young talent, with everyone fighting for a spot on the roster. The running back depth chart boasts three dynamic backs, the tight ends group may be as deep as it has ever been, and the offensive line has brought in an influx of rugged, physical tone-setters on the line.
Floyd brings a physical nature to the Vikings. A guy who can get downfield with his 4.47 speed, and make contested catches while also knocking around defensive backs when blocking. Floyd can do it all; he just needs to be more consistent with his concentration on catching the simple balls, and being a model citizen outside of the gridiron.
Minnesota signed him to a “prove-it” deal that is extremely incentive laden, the contract being a one-year deal for $1.5 million dollars, with an opportunity to make $6 million if he can produce, as reported by Ben Goessling of ESPN.
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If Floyd can find his 2013 form once again, both he and the Minnesota Vikings stand to reap the benefits in the future.