ARIZONA CARDINALS

ESPN: Michael Floyd ‘most to prove’ player on Cardinals

May 23, 2016, 8:14 AM | Updated: 11:40 am

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) is greeted by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11...

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) is greeted by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after Floyd scored a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

(AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

The Arizona Cardinals are in a small group of teams with realistic Super Bowl aspirations heading into 2016. Having one of the most talented rosters in the league, it’s nearly impossible to find an area of need among the players.

However, if one player does stand out as a guy with something to prove, it’s wide receiver Michael Floyd — at least according to ESPN writer Josh Weinfuss.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Floyd’s NFL career has had its fair share of ups and downs. The former Notre Dame wideout has only recorded one 1,000-yard campaign and has not scored more than six touchdowns in a season.

While those numbers might have something to do with the Cardinals having multiple offensive weapons and needing to share the ball, Floyd was drafted No. 13 overall in 2012 with the hope that he would one day be ‘the guy’ in the desert.

Floyd is heading into the option year of his rookie contract, and all that is on the line is a mega-deal as a team’s top wide receiver or a big extension from the Cardinals to continue being Robin to Larry Fitzgerald’s Batman. Floyd hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since 2013, although a hand injury likely prevented him from hitting the mark last season. He went on a tear during the second half of last season, finishing with five 100-yard games in his final eight. — Josh Weinfuss

The 26-year-old played well despite being slowed by the hand injury in training camp and a hamstring injury that caused him to miss a Week 11 win over Cincinnati. Floyd’s five 100-yard games in 2015 were the most he’s had in a season.

Cardinals GM Steve Keim already has his hands full trying to work out a contract extension for safety Tyrann Mathieu, so the team might be taking the ‘wait and see’ approach with Floyd.

If Floyd continues to perform how he did at the end of last season, in addition to the possibility of Fitzgerald retiring after this year, he might be heading for a big pay day.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Vincent DeAngelis

PFF’s Spielberger grades Cardinals’ free agent class among worst in NFL

PFF's Brad Spielberger gave the Cardinals' free agent class a "C" grade in his latest rankings. It was the worst grade among all 32 teams.

7 hours ago

Jonah Williams pressure Sam Darnold...

Tyler Drake

Report: Free agent DL Jonah Williams visiting Arizona Cardinals this week

Defensive lineman Jonah Williams is visiting the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings this week, according to Aaron Wilson.

16 hours ago

Casita seating at the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ new suite options at State Farm Stadium include casitas

The Arizona Cardinals on Monday announced new luxury seating options for 2024, including custom casita suites at State Farm Stadium.

20 hours ago

Justin Fields...

Associated Press

Quarterback carousel: Bears trade Justin Fields to Steelers to clear way for top pick

The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night for draft compensation.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2025 guarantees kick in

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray had nearly $30 million guaranteed for the 2025 season kick in by remaining on Arizona's roster by Saturday.

3 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. celebrates with Kyler Murray...

Tyler Drake

Which side of the line will Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. command in 2024?

Even before the Cardinals released D.J. Humphries, there was already talk of Paris Johnson Jr. making the switch from right to left.

3 days ago

ESPN: Michael Floyd ‘most to prove’ player on Cardinals