HOUSTON – Michael Floyd’s contributions since the team claimed him in mid-December have been minor.
There was a stirring touchdown in which he fought through four Dolphins at the goal line in the season finale. There was the organ-rattling block he threw in the same game that sprung Julian Edelman for a touchdown.
Aside from that, not much. He has one playoff catch -- a 9-yarder -- and was the intended target on one Tom Brady interception against Houston and also a near-pick. He was inactive for the AFC Championship Game and could well be inactive on Sunday as well.
But he wants to be back in Foxboro.
“I would love to stay here for sure,” said Floyd. “With this group of guys, I don’t think it gets any better. I’m just saying that off the fact that I came in late into the season. They welcomed me with open arms like I’ve been here a couple of years. They’ve done a tremendous job for me helping me out, helping me transition into Boston and this offense.”
The reason Floyd is here in the first place is that the Cardinals released him after he was arrested and charged with “super extreme DUI”. If guilty on that charge, there will likely be jail time for him in the offseason.
Floyd, a former first-round pick, was in the final year of his rookie deal with Arizona. The Cardinals had picked up the first-round option for 2016. When he was released, his 2016 salary went with him and the Patriots paid him $1.2M for the final three regular-season games.
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It’s hard to envision a scenario where Floyd will be a highly-sought free agent. He’s most likely to be offered a one-year “prove it” deal. Given the nature of his DUI, teams will certainly want assurances he’s working to get his personal life in order.
I asked him if he felt the Patriots organization had lent stability in that area.
“I feel great emotionally and physically and I think my surroundings and being on this team make you feel good,” he replied. “I’m glad for that.”