Leonard Floyd new defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers of San Francisco are taking a significant step in response to the losses of Chase Young and Randy Gregory. Leonard Floyd, an edge rusher for the Buffalo Bills, is leaving for Santa Clara, California, following one of his best seasons to date.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first revealed the move on March 11.
“Source: Leonard Floyd will be joining the #49ers.” Rapoport commented on X, “Big-time edge help,” and then provided contract terms in response. According to a source, he receives a two-year, $20 million contract with a potential value of $24 million. In year one, he is promised $12 million.
As they get ready to load up on defense, the 49ers have been connected to a number of players. Floyd is undoubtedly one of the best pass-rushing free agents available, even though he is not as well-known as guys like Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Khalil Mack.
Following the rumors of Arik Armstead’s release, San Francisco had to strengthen the line in a big way. Nevertheless, Floyd is primarily an edge rusher and won’t be able to compensate for Armstead’s release.
Even though this is a significant signing, San Francisco may still be planning to add players to the roster to take Armstead’s spot.
With Bills, Leonard Floyd’s Career ContinuesÂ
Floyd started his NFL career with the Chicago Bears after being selected ninth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Despite spending four seasons with the Bears, he never exceeded his seven-sack rookie season, so his stint in Chicago was quite forgettable.
His career was rejuvenated in 2020 after he joined the Los Angeles Rams. In his rookie season with the Rams, Floyd recorded 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble, per Pro Football Reference. After that, he had two more successful seasons with 9.5 and 9.0 sacks, respectively.
Floyd tested free agency and signed with the Bills following his Super Bowl victory with the Rams. He signed a $7 million, one-year contract with Buffalo for the 2023 campaign. Floyd made a quick impression on Buffalo, recording 10.5 sacks and forcing a turnover.
Floyd is back in the NFC West right now.
Arik Armstead Quits the 49ersÂ
It hasn’t been easy for Armstead to leave the 49ers, as Heavy’s Sean Deveney recently reported. A real discussion was had in an attempt to retain him, but ESPN reporter Adam Schefter revealed why it didn’t work out: a pay reduction.
On March 10, Schefter said, “After the 49ers and DL Arik Armstead attempted, but failed, to work out a restructured contract, San Francisco now plans to release him.” It is now anticipated that Armstead will become a free agent. The parties were on the verge of reaching an agreement, but Armstead wanted to assess his market, according to @Schultz_Report.
For all parties concerned, it is a bitter pill to swallow. Armstead has spent nine seasons with the team, and his contributions to the team’s trips to the Super Bowl in 2019 and 2023 were crucial.
Seeing how the 49ers replace him will be interesting. It will be challenging to find a player who can play both the interior and the strong edge as well as Armstead did.
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