The Chicago Bears initially saw Leonard Floyd as a promising pass rusher when they traded up for him in the 2016 NFL Draft. Former GM Ryan Pace believed Floyd's blend of size, length, and athleticism was unique.
Floyd made an immediate impact with seven sacks as a rookie, but his momentum slowed, and over the next three seasons, he added just 11.5 sacks. Without picking up his fifth-year option, the Bears let him walk in free agency in 2020.
Floyd didn’t let this setback define his career. Over the following six seasons, he racked up 51.5 sacks, including a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
After a stint with the Falcons, Floyd is now a free agent again. Some suggest a return to Chicago could benefit both parties: the Bears need depth in their pass rush, and Floyd is likely looking to join a playoff contender.
A Chicago reunion for Floyd seems feasible, especially since the current Bears staff and front office are entirely different from his first stint. Last season, despite recording only 3.5 sacks, Floyd managed 36 pressures on 287 rushes.
This shows he still possesses the burst and quickness that made him a first-round pick, now complemented by a more refined skill set. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen typically favors heavier edge players, so it remains to be seen if Floyd fits the mold at 240-250 lbs.
The question is whether he can be trusted to hold the edge against the run or serve as a designated pass rusher.
A decision on Floyd might wait until after the draft. Teams are likely to be patient, knowing he could still be available in May.
The Bears are eyeing the draft to bolster their defensive line, which is expected to be strong this year. If the draft doesn’t yield the desired edge rusher, Floyd could be a valuable short-term solution.
A return to Chicago would be a compelling storyline. Floyd, a former first-rounder, returning to his original team to potentially deliver 7-8 sacks next season would be a significant boost.
This scenario could be even more impactful if Austin Booker steps up his game. Floyd’s future will largely depend on how the draft and free agency unfold, with other big names like Cameron Jordan and Jadeveon Clowney still in play.