Wideout Michael Floyd signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings last week following a rough season in which he was arrested for DUI. He was sentenced to 24 days in jail and 96 days of house arrest. This incident led to his release from the Cardinals roster. He then signed with the New England Patriots would go on to win Super Bowl LI, but he had little-to-no impact on the team doing so.
Skeptics are looking at the former first round pick and wondering whether his once promising career may be coming to an end. But he may have the opportunity to prosper in the Vikings receiving corps.
Michael Floyd May Find Redemption With the Minnesota Vikings
With a depth chart that currently holds two guaranteed starters in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, the third option for Sam Bradford to throw the ball to is up in the air currently (pun intended). The Vikings saw the explosive Cordarrelle Patterson and the solid hands of Charles Johnson depart this off-season. Laquon Treadwell is looking to have an impact in his sophomore campaign following a lack-luster rookie season. Jarius Wright has been consistent for years, but has never locked down a starting role in his tenure in Minnesota. There is also young talent on the roster currently that will be eyeing a spot on the final roster.
Early this week, Floyd had his remaining house-arrest transferred out of Arizona to Minnesota. This will allow him to work with the team during their scheduled practices. Had this sentence not been transferred, Floyd would not have been allowed to travel to Minnesota until his sentence was served.
While Floyd will likely be facing a suspension of some sort from the league when the season begins, the fact that he can practice with the team will help him nonetheless. It will acclimate him to the new offense so that when his time comes to make an appearance on the field, he should be ready to make plays.
There’s no doubting that Floyd has the tools to succeed. His 6’3″ frame is ideal for a red-zone threat, and he has proven to be a deep threat in his time spent in Arizona. He has always had good speed for a man his size also, an always exciting trait. While the Vikings already have Kyle Rudolph as an experienced red-zone option, adding another weapon can only help to keep defenses guessing. Treadwell is also expected to be a red-zone option, but until he proves that he can play in this league, Floyd will have big opportunities coming towards the end zone.
Having a player that has averaged over 15 yards per catch over his career will also likely help Bradford move the ball further down field. The only stipulation here is whether the newly revamped offensive line will hold up this season.
Assuming that there is little chance of a breakout player in 2017 other than Treadwell, Floyd could return from suspension and immediately begin seeing the field as a rotational player. Fingers-crossed that he has a strong comeback season and becomes another key piece to the Vikings offense.
