Patriots Claim WR Michael Floyd Off Waivers From Cardinals

Michael Floyd recently got into trouble with the law, but at least now he’s found a new team to call home.

Patriots Claim WR Michael Floyd Off Waivers From Cardinals

The New England Patriots claimed the 27-year-old wide receiver off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, a source informed told Ian Rapoport. 

Floyd was released by the Cardinals Wednesday following a DUI arrest on Monday. He was taken into custody after being found unconscious behind the wheel of his running vehicle at an intersection in suburban Scottsdale early Monday. He was booked and released from jail later that morning.  The receiver was previously arrested for driving under the influence in 2011.

All players are subject to the NFL’s waiver system after the trade deadline. The Patriots take on what remains of Floyd’s rookie contract, which expires at the end of the season.

Ex-Cardinals teammate Larry Fitzgerald congratulated Floyd on Twitter:

Fitzgerald continued praising Floyd in phone interviews with GMs and coaches on Wednesday.

“I told them my honest opinion of him, that I think he’ll be a great pickup for whoever,” Fitzgerald said. “You’ve got a young guy who is hungry, who is eager to make plays in a contract year, has a chip on his shoulder now — not that he didn’t already have one — and I hope he makes a big playoff run.”

Though Floyd’s numbers are down this season, he totaled 164 receptions and 17 touchdowns over the last three seasons.

He played in 13 games for Arizona this season, starting seven and catching 33 passes for 446 yards and four touchdowns. He delivered five 100-yard performances over his final eight games last season.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Floyd entered the NFL as a 2012 first-round draft choice of the Cardinals out of Notre Dame.

The Patriots have been missing injured wideout Danny Amendola recently, and also placed tight end Rob Gronkowski on their injured reserve list earlier this month. Thus, they likely see Floyd as their offense’s saving grace as the postseason approaches.