Rams’ Leonard Floyd Played So Well That He Might Be Playing For Someone Else

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Rams’ Leonard Floyd Played So Well That He Might Be Playing For Someone Else

The Los Angeles Rams might be on ledge of losing their best edge pass rusher.

Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd is set to become a free agent, although they’ll be nothing cut-rate about his next deal. Floyd, a former first-round pick who came to the Rams after being released by the Chicago Bears in an attempt to resurrect his once promising career, did that and more.

Floyd was given a one-year, $10 million pact for 2020, with him possessing a vision of producing numbers that would result in a rich, multi-year contract.

The Rams were pleasantly surprised with Floyd’s contributions as he had a team-high 10.5 sacks. That was just one fewer than in his three previous campaigns combined.

Floyd was also keen against the run, flourishing again when reunited with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, a former Bears assistant.

Staley has already exited in becoming the L.A. Chargers head coach. Floyd could be next out the door unless the Rams are aggressive in recruiting him.

Floyd, 28, was last season’s version of outside linebacker Dante Fowler, Jr. After Fowler played on a one-year, $12 million pact and blossomed in 2019, he landed a three-year, $45 million contract from the Atlanta Falcons.

What limits the Rams in pursuing Floyd is them bumping up against the $180 million salary cap. Considering the mega hits from defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s and cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s deals — plus $22 million in dead money after quarterback Jared Goff was traded to the Detroit Lions — there’s not a lot of wiggle room.

Floyd, according to spotrac.com, is due $52.5 million spread over four years. It’s expected Floyd will eclipse Fowler’s compensation and maybe both of them should send thank you notes to Donald.

With Donald’s presence, it’s somewhat difficult to evaluate an edge rusher. Floyd and Fowler benefitted playing alongside Donald as the three-time NFL defensive player of the year draws blockers away from others.

Another caveat with Floyd is that he was a scholar in Staley’s system, knowing its ins- and-outs and at times coaching teammates in how to implement the scheme.

But that philosophy that produced the NFL’s No. 1-ranked unit skedaddled with Staley and the Rams hired Raheem Morris as their new defensive coordinator. Floyd could shine under Morris’ tutelage, but only if grasping a fresh approach in containing offenses.

Add it all up — especially when considering standout safety John Johnson III is a free agent, too — and Floyd is likely headed elsewhere. The Rams have simply dedicated too many resources to other parts of the roster to absorb Floyd’s next contract.

It’s not a lock Floyd will flee. But the Rams could pivot and keep their fingers crossed that their youngsters at the position reveal more growth than they did in 2020.

One of those who scuffled last season is another free agent in Samson Ebukam. Both him and Floyd could go.

That would leave two starting positions open, with Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Justin Hollins and Terrell Lewis being asked to emerge. The Rams could also execute the compensatory draft picks they received for linebacker Cory Littleton and Fowler to address the need.

What the Rams sought in Leonard was someone with a nose for the quarterback and the drive to reach the pocket. Leonard exceeded their expectations and now the expectation is he played so well, that he’ll be playing elsewhere in 2021.
 

So Ram

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Duh! Rob-Bot with another too long article stating the obvious.


Not exactly. I’d say it is a guarantee he is gone & The Rams knew it by signing him to that 1 year contract.
Getting a Comp pick will be nice. Then JJ was brought up.He is gone as well. Saying Ebukham is gone is not a guarantee Imo.He still has upside & is a Ram.

The question the bot should ask is about tender or franchise ? The Rams should be receiving value for all this talent they will be lossing.That is the good part about McSnead.
 

RamFan503

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Hmmmmm.....

Dante Fowler - 11.5 sacks with the Rams, 3.0 with the Falcones. Floyd 3.0 sacks with the Bears, 10.5 with the Rams. I sense a trend. Any chance other teams see a similar trend and offer Floyd less than we all are thinking?
 

Flint

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The bolts seem like a no Brainer if they’re interested, why wouldn’t he go with the guy who saved his career?
They don’t have Donald but they have some dudes for sure. Only thing is most of their talent seems to be on the edge already with Bosa and Ingram, either someone has to play inside or they have to split snaps, and with the rams he can play right next to possibly the greatest interior lineman to ever do it.
 

Allen2McVay

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The bolts seem like a no Brainer if they’re interested, why wouldn’t he go with the guy who saved his career?
They don’t have Donald but they have some dudes for sure. Only thing is most of their talent seems to be on the edge already with Bosa and Ingram, either someone has to play inside or they have to split snaps, and with the rams he can play right next to possibly the greatest interior lineman to ever do it.
Ingram will hit free agency in two weeks. Staley is such a huge fan of Floyd, would not be surprised if he asks Management to go after him; and the Chargers’ front office tries to please the new head coach.
 

Loyal

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He is a product of AD. Time to get the next bust and rehabilitate him as well. Donald gets guys paid.
 

RamFan503

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He is a product of AD. Time to get the next bust and rehabilitate him as well. Donald gets guys paid.
When you have AD taking on multiple linemen and the Rams backfield, you should be able to rough up the QB fairly often.
 

snackdaddy

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Hmmmmm.....

Dante Fowler - 11.5 sacks with the Rams, 3.0 with the Falcones. Floyd 3.0 sacks with the Bears, 10.5 with the Rams. I sense a trend. Any chance other teams see a similar trend and offer Floyd less than we all are thinking?

I think Floyd is a little better than Fowler but not as good as he looked playing next to Donald. Someone will pay him. Fans will get excited they got Leonard Floyd, thinking he will be the player he was in LA. A part of the number one defense. And they might be disappointed a year later after he registers 6 sacks and middle of the pack in hits and pressures.
 

Malibu

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I think Donald elevated Floyd but Chigacos cline was great and it didn't work out there so who knows maybe it was a combo of Donald and Staley plus some others Fox Brickers, etc.

Best fit is the Chargers.

The thing I worry about the most is replacing him because both he and Fowler were marginal when they came to the Fans and they blossomed. Now we need to find the next Fowler/Floyd that is not as easy as it seems imo.
 

OldSchool

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Hmmmmm.....

Dante Fowler - 11.5 sacks with the Rams, 3.0 with the Falcones. Floyd 3.0 sacks with the Bears, 10.5 with the Rams. I sense a trend. Any chance other teams see a similar trend and offer Floyd less than we all are thinking?
They should but if you’re a playoff team like the Bills you do whatever it takes to get it. Or the Titans especially after both lost out on Watt.
 

RamFan503

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They should but if you’re a playoff team like the Bills you do whatever it takes to get it. Or the Titans especially after both lost out on Watt.
I don't doubt a team is willing to make him an offer. I was just floating it out there that it is possible that it won't be so huge that the Rams couldn't come close enough to convince him to stay and keep putting up big numbers while having a legit shot at a SB.
 

OnceARam

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I hope he goes to whatever division Wussel Wilson ends up playing in. :D
 

FarNorth

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I think Floyd is a little better than Fowler but not as good as he looked playing next to Donald. Someone will pay him. Fans will get excited they got Leonard Floyd, thinking he will be the player he was in LA. A part of the number one defense. And they might be disappointed a year later after he registers 6 sacks and middle of the pack in hits and pressures.

Imo Floyd is much better than Fowler at least in terms of the Rams' D. Not as quick, but playing with AD nearly as good at getting to the qb. But Floyd is a big physical force who holds the edge and puts a lot of pressure on the blockers.

Not reading anything into a tweet just yet. Hope we can resign him, but doubt this will happen. If not, it will be a big loss. Not sure how we replace him.