OWINGS MILLS --  The Baltimore Ravens remain a strong potential landing spot for San Diego Chargers free agent wide receiver Malcom Floyd.

The interest appears to be mutual, and Floyd makes a lot of sense for Baltimore because of his ability to provide a big red-zone and stretch the field. He's also eight years younger than veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason.

However, time could be growing short to add Floyd to the roster.

The Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals and the Oakland Raiders are all pursuing Floyd, who's growing closer to making a decision. The Vikings, who lost Sidney Rice to the Seattle Seahawks, are one of Floyd's bigger possibilities.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound downfield target has conducted discussions with Baltimore and played three seasons in San Diego for offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, but the Ravens face competition for him.

If the Ravens can work out a long-term deal with franchise defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, their chances of signing Floyd and possibly working out a trade and a new contract for New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora increase exponentially.

The Ravens have yet to completely give up on the idea of bringing back Mason, the two-time Pro Bowl selection who was cut recently and has been in contact with Baltimore and the Tennessee Titans.

Last season, Floyd caught 37 passes for 717 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 19.4 yards per reception.

For his career, Floyd, 29, has registered 134 career catches for 2,314 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has averaged 17.3 yards per catch.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times