While the Bears remain publicly confident in outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, there are teams around the NFL that don’t necessarily believe they’re as high on the former No. 9 overall pick as they let on.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, some NFL teams believe the Bears could part ways with Floyd before the start of the new league year, which is looming just days away. The move would free up $13.2 million in salary cap space guaranteed by Floyd’s fifth-year option.
“We’re like every team,” one source told Biggs. “Our personnel team puts together a list of players that could be cap casualties and his name popped up. He’s probably on the same list all around the league.”
As is everything with general manager Ryan Pace, his actions will speak louder than the praise he’s showered Floyd with despite his lack of production.
While the Bears feel good about Floyd’s talent and versatility, ultimately pass rushers are judged by how they get after the quarterback. Sure, Floyd had a career-best 12 quarterback hits, but he had a career-low in sacks with just three.
Since joining the league in 2016, Floyd’s sack totals have decreased every season. After a strong rookie season, where he accumulated seven sacks, Floyd mustered not even half of that total in a 2019 season where he was completely healthy.
Health has been a concern for Floyd, who has suffered injuries in each of his first three seasons, including a torn MCL that caused him to miss the final six games in 2017.
After breaking his hand during the 2018 preseason, Floyd returned in time for the regular-season opener and didn’t miss a game from the start of the 2018 season to the end of the 2019 season.
While the Bears have reaffirmed their belief in Floyd, words mean nothing at this point. But are they ready to shell out $13.2 million to an unproven edge rusher rather than spend that money elsewhere and target a young prospect in the NFL draft?
I guess we’ll see. Because the clock is ticking on the March 18 deadline.
