The 49ers just signed free agent defensive end Leonard Floyd to a two-year, $20 million deal that’s worth up to $24 million with incentives and has $12 million guaranteed in Year 1, according to The NFL Network.
Next season, Floyd will be 32, which isn’t young. But he has recorded at least 9 sacks four seasons in a row, including 10.5 sacks last season with the Bills. He’s a legitimate three-down starting defensive end who’s good at rushing the quarterback and defending the run, and he hasn’t missed a game since 2017. He certainly is better than every defensive end the 49ers had last season other than Nick Bosa. Now, they get to play together.
The 49ers could have made a play for a more expensive defensive end such as Danielle Hunter or Jonathan Greenard, or they could have swung for the fences and traded for Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa or Haason Reddick, but the 49ers already have a ton of money and assets invested in their defensive line. They needed to add someone who’s cost effective, and that’s Floyd.
But the biggest reason the 49ers signed Floyd most likely is the fact that he has played for assistant head coach Brandon Staley. Staley was the Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2020 during Floyd’s first season on the team, and that year he had 10.5 sacks. It was his breakout season, and it came under Staley’s direction.
I’m guessing Staley recommended Floyd to the 49ers and that tipped the scale in his favor.
Now the 49ers will need to sign or draft a defensive tackle to replace Arik Armstead.
The landscape of San Francisco’s defensive front is undergoing a significant transformation heading into the 2024 season, marked by a flurry of notable signings during the initial free agency period and the subsequent departure of key rotational players from the previous year. Among the pivotal moves made by the 49ers, the acquisition of veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd stands out, as he officially inked a two-year contract with the red and gold on Monday.
Floyd, who most recently suited up for the Buffalo Bills in 2023, brings with him a wealth of experience from his extended tenures with the Los Angeles Rams from 2020 to 2022 and the Chicago Bears from 2016 to 2019. His arrival heralds a new era for San Francisco’s defensive scheme.
During a recent radio segment on 95.7 The Game, NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger weighed in on Floyd’s signing, offering his insights on the impact the veteran linebacker could have on the team’s fortunes. Baldinger underscored Floyd’s potential to make significant contributions and emphasized the importance of his addition to the roster in bolstering the team’s chances of success.
Describing Floyd as a “quality” addition, Baldinger highlighted the linebacker’s ability to excel in one-on-one matchups, disrupting opposing quarterbacks and applying consistent pressure. He also noted Floyd’s impressive track record of postseason success, making him a valuable asset for San Francisco’s playoff aspirations.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Floyd’s presence alongside Pro Bowl defensive lineman Nick Bosa presents an imposing combination that could pose significant challenges for opposing offenses. With the departure of defensive linemen Clelin Ferrell and Chase Young to the free-agent market, Floyd’s role within the defensive unit becomes even more pivotal as he looks to make an immediate impact in the red and gold uniform.
Leonard Floyd’s career statistics paint a picture of consistency and impact on the field. In the 2023 season, he started in 16 out of 17 games, showcasing his durability, and amassed an impressive 10.5 sacks along with 45 total pressures. His defensive prowess extended beyond just quarterback disruptions, as he contributed 32 total tackles, defended a pass, and forced a fumble.
Remarkably, Floyd has maintained an impeccable attendance record, having not missed a regular-season game in the last six seasons, totaling an impressive 99 games played. Furthermore, his ability to consistently reach the quarterback stands out, having recorded at least 9.0 sacks per season since 2020, demonstrating his reliability as a pass rusher.
In addition to his regular-season achievements, Floyd has proven himself in postseason play, tallying 5.0 sacks in nine career playoff appearances. Notably, he contributed 1.0 sack in the Los Angeles Rams’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI, showcasing his ability to elevate his performance on the biggest stage.
Floyd’s journey to success began when he was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, highlighting the high expectations placed upon him from the outset of his professional career. His consistent production and impact on the field have validated his status as a first-round talent, making him a valuable asset for any team fortunate enough to have him on their roster.
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