NFL Free Agency: New England Should Consider Malcom Floyd

One of the New England Patriots biggest offensive weaknesses is their lack of diversity at their wide receiver position. 

New England's top two wide receivers, Wes Welker and Deion Branch, are extremely similar in many ways, and some may go as far as saying that they're carbon copies of each other. 

Welker and Branch are great for short-intermediate pass patterns as they don't have much to offer past 25 yards or so—and this is where Brandon Tate comes in.

Once the Patriots shipped off Randy Moss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Patriots lost their tallest receiver and best deep-threat, which opened the door for Tate—and he was inconsistent at best.

One possible free agent wide receiver that would be an ideal fit in New England's pass-heavy offense is Malcom Floyd.

Floyd spent his last six seasons as a San Diego Charger, and over the past couple of seasons he's really been effective. Floyd is a tall wide receiver, standing in at 6'5" and can be physical if he has to.

2010 was a solid year for Floyd, as he reeled in 37 balls for 717 yards and six touchdowns, despite only playing in 11 games.

Many may speculate that Floyd will likely be cashing in big once free agency begins, however I don't necessarily agree. 

Floyd will be turn 30 years old and has a history of being injured—plus there are better options out there such as James Jones, Vincent Jackson and Steve Smith just to name a few. 

Bill Belichick and the Patriots may be able to add Floyd at a lower rate than other better available wide receivers, and his production could be potentially better. 

In New England's recent playoff loss against the New York Jets, it became clear that the Patriots had zero deep-threat and needed some physical wide receivers that could force there way open—and that's where Floyd can come in use. 

Free agency should start right after the lockout is lifted, which is expected to be in two weeks, according to to STLToday.com. 

The Patriots are a young team with a nice mix of veteran leadership, it's just a matter of finding those "role players" that will have notable contributions in the upcoming season. 

Floyd will certainly receive offers from other teams, including the Chargers, but the Patriots may be the more appealing destination given that Tom Brady will be the one throwing passes to Floyd.

This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @    TonySantorsa.