San Francisco 49ers Sign Leonard Floyd to Two-Year, $20 Million Deal

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11/03/2024 23h28

Floyd, a formidable edge rusher, had an impressive 10 1/2-sack season with the Buffalo Bills in 2023.

Floyd, who is 31 years old, spent the majority of his career in the NFC West. He played four seasons with the Chicago Bears before joining the Los Angeles Rams for three seasons, winning a Super Bowl in 2022. Last year, he played one season with the Buffalo Bills before ultimately joining the 49ers.

This signing holds extra significance as Floyd has prior experience working with the 49ers' assistant coach, Brandon Staley. Staley served as the Rams' defensive coordinator in 2020, where he coached Floyd, and had previously worked with him during his time with the Bears.

Known for his durability, Floyd has played in every game over the past six years, making him one of the most reliable players in the NFL. His consistency on the field has earned him recognition as one of the top available free agents this offseason, ranking 12th on The Athletic's list.

The addition of Floyd to the 49ers' defense is crucial, as it provides an experienced counterpart to star defensive end Nick Bosa. The team has struggled to find a suitable player for this position since 2019 when they traded for Dee Ford, who unfortunately battled injuries and never regained his initial form. Players such as Samson Ebukam, Drake Jackson, Clelin Ferrell, and Chase Young have been tried, but with mixed results. Floyd's consistent track record, which includes nine or more sacks in each of the last four seasons, provides hope for a much-needed explosion at the edge position.

Measuring nearly 6-6, Floyd's excellent length and strong run defense have further appealed to the 49ers. Despite a decrease in snap count last season, he remains a valuable piece in their defensive scheme. Additionally, his familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan and offensive line coach Chris Foerster, who have faced him seven times while he was with the Rams, enhances the team's confidence in his abilities.

Financially, the 49ers have structured Floyd's deal with incentives that could raise the total value to $24 million. However, the base value of $20 million over two seasons results in an average annual value (AAV) of $10 million. This reasonable contract aligns well with the team's salary cap, especially after restructuring Fred Warner's contract to create additional space.

The signing of Floyd not only addresses a long-standing need for a strong bookend alongside Bosa but also solidifies the defense with a consistent and versatile player. While not an A-list superstar, Floyd's steady performance and winning track record make him an ideal complement to Bosa's dominant presence on the field.

Ultimately, this acquisition represents an upgrade for the 49ers and leaves the Bills with a void to fill. Floyd's ability to contribute as both a pass rusher and run defender brings a well-rounded skill set to San Francisco's defense, setting the stage for an exciting partnership with Bosa in the upcoming seasons.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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