NFL Trade Machine: Michael Floyd Joins In

Nov 16, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) warms up prior to facing the Detroit Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

As if enough big names weren’t on the NFL trade wheel already, it seems the Arizona Cardinals decided to get in on the fun when rumors broke that their young wide receiver Michael Floyd could be available.

It’s hard to understand why they would do this.  Floyd is 25-years old and has never missed a game.  He had 112 catches for 1,882 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons.  Some of it might be his slight regression in 2014, going from 1,041 yards to 841 but not all of that can be pinned on him given the horrid string of injuries Arizona suffered at quarterback.

The only logical reason could be money.  Floyd will be due a new contract in 2016.  That may not be something the Cardinals are ready or willing to pay.  Whatever their reasons are, it’s as good an explanation as any for their trade feelers being sent out.

So if he is on the block, what is one team who may want to make the deal?

San Diego Chargers

Aside from the presence of five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers and the need to keep him properly armed with weapons, there is another key to the San Diego Chargers being a top landing spot.  That is the presence of offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who happened to be wide receivers coach for the Arizona Cardinals when Michael Floyd was drafted by them in 2012.  The two are familiar with each other, so that only adds to the support behind a deal working.