The Rams are in full rebuild mode, trimming the fat off the roster by releasing pricey contracts and aging veterans. The latest piece is Leonard Floyd, according to a report by ESPN. Should the Falcons be interested?
Floyd cut his teeth with the hometown Georgia Bulldogs and has recently become quite the productive pass rusher in Los Angeles, recording at least nine sacks in the last three seasons. After being released by the Bears in 2020, Floyd has posted 29 sacks and 59 quarterback hits, which has to be attractive for a defense that finished second to last in sacks last season with 21.
The Falcons recently re-signed fellow Georgia Bulldog Lorenzo Carter to a two-year deal worth at most $10 million. The team still has enough cap space to add to the position, and Floyd could be an option.
It would be awesome for Falcons fans to see a homegrown player return to Atlanta, but I have to rain on everyone’s parade. It makes sense financially; he won’t cost an arm and a leg. However, it would be quite underwhelming if the most high-priced free agent addition to the edge room was Leonard Floyd.
An edge room of Floyd, Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone and Ade Ogundeji wouldn’t move me in the slightest.
Moreover, despite the impressive sack numbers, Floyd played next to some remarkable talent, namely Aaron Donald. Grady Jarrett might be a menace, but he’s not a first ballot Hall of Famer. Additionally, the entire defense in Los Angeles was far more talented than anything in Atlanta, so that has to be considered when looking at Floyd’s stats.
The other thing to consider is the schematic fit. Ryan Nielsen’s edge defenders were a lot heavier than Floyd, but that’s something that should worry Falcons fans less. Competent coordinators fit their system to the personnel, not the other way around. It’s an intriguing option, but I’m not as bullish on Floyd as some.
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