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Leonard Floyd
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Leonard Cornilus Floyd (born September 8, 1992) is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Floyd attended Dodge County High School in Eastman, Georgia, where he played football and participated in track.[1] In football, he played defensive end and tight end. Floyd committed to play college football at the University of Georgia in April 2011. After high school, he attended Hargrave Military Academy for a year to take classes that met NCAA requirements.[2][3]
In track & field, Floyd competed as a thrower. He won the shot put event at the 2011 Region 3AA Meet, recording a career-best throw of 14.96 meters.[4]
College career
[edit]As a true freshman in 2013, Floyd started eight of 13 games. He finished the season with 55 tackles and a team-leading 6.5 sacks.[5] Floyd played in 11 games during his sophomore season, finishing the year with 55 tackles, six sacks, and a fumble recovery. In a game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium, Floyd recovered running back Jalen Hurd's fumble and ran it back 96 yards for a touchdown.[6] As a junior in 2015, he played in 13 games with 72 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, three passes defended, and a fumble recovery. After his junior year, he announced his intentions to enter the 2016 NFL draft.[7]
Professional career
[edit]Pre-draft
[edit]Floyd received an invitation to the NFL Combine as a top prospect in the upcoming 2016 NFL draft. He attended the combine and performed the majority of combine drills before injuring his hamstring while running the 40-yard dash. He opted not to perform the bench press and was unable to perform the three-cone drill and short shuttle due to his injury. Coincidentally, teammate and fellow linebacker Jordan Jenkins also injured his hamstring and was unable to do the short shuttle and three-cone drill.
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Leonard Floyd's NFL Combine Workout | |
| Leonard Floyd's 40-yard dash |
On March 16, 2016, he opted to participate at Georgia's pro day and ran drills for representatives from all 32 NFL teams, including head coaches Bill Belichick (New England Patriots), Rex Ryan (Buffalo Bills), Dan Quinn (Atlanta Falcons), and Todd Bowles (New York Jets) and general managers Thomas Dimitroff (Falcons) and Jerry Reese (New York Giants).[8] Floyd added four pounds to his frame prior to his pro day after there were some teams concerns about his thin frame. He performed positional drills, the short shuttle, three-cone drill, and vertical jump. His vertical (35") was four inches shorter than his jump at the combine and Floyd was also unable to do the bench press due to a pectoral injury. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Floyd was a possible top ten pick and a consensus projected first round pick by NFL draft experts and analysts. He was ranked as the second best linebacker/edge rusher in the draft by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, the third best outside linebacker by NFLDraftScout.com, and was ranked the fifth best linebacker in the draft by Sports Illustrated.[9][10][11]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 5+5⁄8 in (1.97 m) |
244 lb (111 kg) |
33+1⁄8 in (0.84 m) |
10+1⁄8 in (0.26 m) |
4.60 s | 1.60 s | 2.68 s | 4.32 s | 7.18 s | 39.5 in (1.00 m) |
10 ft 7 in (3.23 m) | ||
| All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[12][13] | ||||||||||||
Chicago Bears
[edit]2016
[edit]The Chicago Bears selected Floyd in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2016 NFL draft.[14] The Bears traded the No. 11 overall pick and a fourth round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in order to move up to No. 9.[15] On May 27, 2016, the Bears signed Floyd to a four-year, $15.78 million contract that includes $15.33 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $9.67 million.[16]
| External videos | |
|---|---|
| Bears draft Leonard Floyd 9th overall |
He competed with Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston, Willie Young, and Sam Acho throughout training camp for a job as the starting outside linebacker. He was named the starting left outside linebacker, opposite Willie Young, to begin the regular season.[17]
He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Bears' season opener against the Houston Texans and recorded six combined tackles and was credited with a half a sack on Brock Osweiler during their 23–14 loss.[18] In Week 4, he left the Bears' 17–14 victory over the Detroit Lions after suffering a calf injury.[19] The calf injury sidelined him for the next two games (Weeks 5–6).[20] On October 20, 2016, Floyd recorded three combined tackles, sacked Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice, forced the first fumble of his career, and recorded the first defensive touchdown and fumble recovery of his career in the Bears 26–10 loss.[21] During a Week 11 matchup against the Giants, he collected two combined tackles, but left the 22–16 loss in the fourth quarter after colliding with teammate Akiem Hicks while attempting to tackle running back Rashad Jennings. During the collision, the crown of his helmet made impact with Hicks and compressed his neck. He was stretchered off the field and taken immediately to the hospital, but was released later that night. Floyd suffered a head/neck injury and a concussion and was unable to play the next week against the Tennessee Titans .[22][23] On December 4, 2016, he earned four solo tackles, earned a two sacks on San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick, and recorded the first safety of his career, as the Bears routed them 26–6.[24] On December 24, 2016, Floyd made one solo tackle, but left the Bears' 41–21 loss to the Washington Redskins after suffering a concussion. The concussion kept him from playing in the Bears' regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Floyd claimed it took two months to recover fully from the concussion and for all the symptoms to subside.[25] Floyd finished his rookie season with 7.0 sacks, which placed him third among all rookies.[26] He finished the 2016 season with 33 combined tackles (23 solo), seven sacks, a forced fumble, fumble recovery, one touchdown, and one safety in 12 games and 12 starts.[27] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[28]
2017
[edit]Floyd competed for the starting outside linebacker job throughout training camp against Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston, and Willie Young. Head coach John Fox named Floyd the starting right outside linebacker to start the season.[29]
On September 28, 2017, Floyd recorded three solo tackles and sacked Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the Bears' 35–14 loss.[30] On October 9, 2017, he collected a season-high six solo tackles, two sacks, and a safety during a 20–17 loss to the Vikings. The safety came in the first quarter and was on Vikings' quarterback Sam Bradford.[31] On November 19, 2017, he earned five solo tackles before being carted off the field after sustaining a leg injury after he collided with teammate Kyle Fuller in the Bears 27–24 loss to the Lions. On November 23, 2017, the Bears placed him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season after he suffered a sprained MCL and PCL in his right knee.[32][33] Floyd finished the 2017 season with 34 combined tackles (24 solo), 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and a safety in ten games and ten starts.[34]
2018
[edit]
On November 4, 2018, Floyd intercepted Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman, returning it for a 19-yard touchdown, his first-career interception and second-career touchdown.[35] In Week 10 against the Lions, Floyd made his first sack of the season off quarterback Matthew Stafford in the 34–22 win.[36] In Week 15 against the Packers, Floyd sacked Aaron Rodgers two times in a 24–17 win.[37] Floyd finished the season with 49 tackles, four sacks, and a pick six.[38] He was named as a Pro Bowl alternate.[39]
2019
[edit]On May 1, 2019, the Bears picked up the fifth-year option on Floyd's contract.[40] In Week 1 against the Packers, Floyd recorded four tackles and sacked Aaron Rodgers twice as the Bears lost 10–3.[41] In week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Floyd sacked Carson Wentz once in the 22–14 loss. This was Floyd's first sack in two months.[42] He finished the 2019 season with three sacks, 40 total tackles (27 solo), and one pass defended.[43]
Floyd was released by the Bears on March 17, 2020.[44]
Los Angeles Rams
[edit]On April 24, 2020, the Los Angeles Rams signed Floyd to a one-year, $10 million contract.[45]
Floyd made his debut with the Rams in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. During the game, Floyd recorded his first sack as a Ram on Dak Prescott in the 20–17 win.[46]
In Week 7 against his former team, the Bears, on Monday Night Football, Floyd recorded two sacks on Nick Foles during the 24–10 win.[47]
In Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks, Floyd recorded three sacks on Russell Wilson and recovered a fumble lost by Wilson during the 23–16 win, later earning him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.[48][49]
In Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals, Floyd recorded a sack on Chris Streveler during the 18–7 win.[50] He finished the regular season with a career-high 10.5 sacks, which earned him a $1.25 million bonus.[51][52]
In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs against the Seahawks, Floyd sacked Russell Wilson two times during the 30–20 win.[53]
2021
[edit]On March 15, 2021, Floyd signed a four-year contract extension with the Rams worth $64 million.[54] In Week 14, Floyd recorded eight tackles and intercepted Kyler Murray in a 30–23 win over the Cardinals.[55] In the 2021 season, he had 9.5 sacks, 70 total tackles (37 solo), one interception, three passes defended, and one forced fumble in 17 starts.[56]
Floyd helped the Rams reach Super Bowl LVI where they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20. Floyd recorded five tackles and one sack in the game.[57]
2022
[edit]In the 2022 season, Floyd had nine sacks, 59 total tackles (31 solo), and one fumble recovery in 17 starts.[58]
On March 10, 2023, Floyd was released by the Rams.[59]
Buffalo Bills
[edit]On June 5, 2023, Floyd signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Bills, with incentives that could increase the value of the contract to $9 million.[60] In his lone season with Buffalo, he finished with 10.5 sacks, 32 total tackles (21 solo), one pass defended, and one forced fumble in 17 games and 16 starts.[61] Floyd also notably laid the sack on New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers that ended the latter's season just four plays into the season opener.[62]
San Francisco 49ers
[edit]On March 18, 2024, Floyd signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers.[63] He started all 17 games in 2024, recording 42 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
On March 12, 2025, Floyd was released by the 49ers.[64]
Atlanta Falcons
[edit]On March 13, 2025, Floyd signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons.[65]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Won the Super Bowl | |
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Sfty | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Int | Yds | TD | PD | ||
| 2016 | CHI | 12 | 12 | 33 | 23 | 10 | 7.0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2017 | CHI | 10 | 10 | 34 | 24 | 10 | 4.5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2018 | CHI | 16 | 16 | 47 | 34 | 13 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 1 | 4 |
| 2019 | CHI | 16 | 16 | 40 | 27 | 13 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | LAR | 16 | 16 | 55 | 31 | 24 | 10.5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | LAR | 17 | 17 | 70 | 37 | 33 | 9.5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | LAR | 17 | 17 | 59 | 31 | 28 | 9.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | BUF | 17 | 16 | 32 | 21 | 11 | 10.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | SF | 10 | 10 | 28 | 13 | 15 | 8.5 | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 |
| Career | 131 | 130 | 398 | 241 | 157 | 62.5 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 21 | 1 | 2 | 30 | 1 | 15 | |
References
[edit]- ^ Anthony, TJ (February 21, 2022). "Dodge County plans celebration for hometown hero, Super Bowl champ Leonard Floyd". WMAZ. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Dodge County's Floyd shining early". macon. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ Weiszer, Marc (August 28, 2013). "Freshman linebacker Leonard Floyd drawing praise at Georgia". The Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ "Region 3AA Meet Boys & Girls". MileSplit GA.
- ^ "Georgia LB Leonard Floyd draws strength from his family, community back home". Dogbytesonline.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2015. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
- ^ "Georgia at Tennessee Box Score, October 10, 2015". Sports Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ Polacek, Scott (November 29, 2015). "Leonard Floyd Announces He's Leaving Georgia: Latest Comments and Reaction". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
- ^ Gil Brandt (March 16, 2016). "Georgia's Floyd draws huge crowd, but can't complete workout". NFL.com. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
- ^ Chris Burke (April 12, 2016). "2016 NFL draft position rankings". si.com. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
- ^ "*Leonard Floyd, DS #3 OLB, Georgia". nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
- ^ Mike Mayock (April 25, 2016). "Mayock's top 100 draft prospect rankings". NFL.com. Retrieved November 24, 2017.[dead link]
- ^ "Leonard Floyd Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ "2016 NFL Draft Scout Leonard Floyd College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ "2016 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
- ^ "NFL draft: Results, analysis for every Round 1 pick". ESPN.com. April 29, 2016. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
- ^ "Spotrac.com: Leonard Floyd contract". spotrac.com. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
- ^ "Ourlads.com: Chicago Bears' depth chart: 10/01/2016". Ourlads.com. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
- ^ "Chicago Bears at Houston Texans - September 11th, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ Eurich, Matt (October 7, 2016). "Leonard Floyd's injury status starting to be a concern for Bears". 247sports.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.[dead link]
- ^ Finley, Patrick (October 9, 2016). "Bears first-rounder Leonard Floyd won't play vs. Colts". chicagosuntimes.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ "NFL Player stats: Leonard Floyd". NFL.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ Soriano, Joe (November 20, 2016). "Bears Rookie Leonard Floyd Stretchered Off After Scary Hit (Video)". nflspinzone.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ Campbell, Rich (November 20, 2016). "Leonard Floyd able to travel with Bears after scary head, neck injury". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ "NFL Game Center: Week 13-2016: San Francisco 49ers @ Chicago Bears". NFL.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ Wiltfong, Lester (December 30, 2016). "Chicago Bears Injury Report: OLBs Leonard FLoyd doubtful, Willie Young and Pernell McPhee questionable". windycitygridiron.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ "Bears' Leonard Floyd Proved His Place In Rookie Season". CBSLocal.com. January 12, 2017. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
- ^ "Leonard Floyd 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ "2016 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ "Chicago Bears depth chart: 10/01/2017". Ourlads.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ "Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers - September 28th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "NFL Game Center: Week 5-2017: Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears". NFL.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ Mayer, Larry (November 23, 2017). "Floyd placed on IR with knee injury". ChicagoBears.com.
- ^ Potash, Marl (November 23, 2017). "Season over: Bears OLB Leonard Floyd heads to injured reserve". Chicago.suntimes.com. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- ^ "Leonard Floyd 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ Mayer, Larry (November 4, 2018). "Game recap: Bears crush Bills 41–9". ChicagoBears.com.
- ^ "Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears - November 11th, 2018". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears - December 16th, 2018". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Leonard Floyd 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "The Bears will deservingly be well-represented at the 2019 Pro Bowl". NBC Sports Chicago. December 19, 2018.
- ^ Teope, Herbie (May 1, 2019). "Bears exercise fifth-year option on LB Leonard Floyd". NFL.com. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ "Packers D, Aaron Rodgers beat Bears 10–3 in opener". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
- ^ "Wentz, Howard lead Eagles past Bears 22–14". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 3, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
- ^ "Leonard Floyd 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ Infante, Jacob (March 17, 2020). "Bears sign Robert Quinn to five-year deal, release Leonard Floyd". Windy City Gridiron. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
- ^ Jackson, Stu (April 24, 2020). "Rams sign OLB Leonard Floyd and DT A'Shawn Robinson". Los Angeles Rams. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
- ^ "Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams – September 13th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
- ^ "Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams – October 26th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams – November 15th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
- ^ Gordon, Grant (November 18, 2020). "Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger among Players of the Week". NFL.com.
- ^ "Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams – January 3rd, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
- ^ "Leonard Floyd 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ DaSilva, Cameron (January 3, 2021). "Leonard Floyd earns $1.25M bonus by reaching 10 sacks". Rams Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Wild Card – Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks – January 9th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
- ^ Shook, Nick (March 15, 2021). "Leonard Floyd agrees to four-year, $64 million deal to stay with Rams". NFL.com. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
- ^ "Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals – December 13th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Leonard Floyd 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ "Super Bowl LVI – Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals – February 13th, 2022". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
- ^ "Leonard Floyd 2022 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ Williams, Charean (March 10, 2023). "Rams officially release Leonard Floyd, seven others". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ Getzenberg, Alaina (June 5, 2023). "Source: Buffalo Bills, Leonard Floyd agree to one-year deal". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
- ^ "Leonard Floyd 2023 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
- ^ Cimini, Rich (September 12, 2023). "Jets fear QB Aaron Rodgers suffered serious Achilles injury". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ "49ers Sign DL Floyd and Four Additional Free Agents; Re-Sign OL". 49ers.com. March 18, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
- ^ "49ers Trade Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., Release Maliek Collins, Javon Hargrave". 49ers.com. March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ McElhany, Tori. "Falcons sign Leonard Floyd to 1-year deal". AtlantaFalcons.com. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
External links
[edit]
- Career statistics from NFL.com · ESPN · Yahoo Sports
- Atlanta Falcons bio
- Georgia Bulldogs bio
Leonard Floyd
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
High school career
Leonard Floyd was born on September 8, 1992, in Eastman, Georgia. He attended Dodge County High School in Eastman, Georgia, where he emerged as a standout defensive end on the football team. During his high school career, Floyd started 32 of 38 games, tallying 182 tackles and 17 sacks while showcasing disruptive pass-rushing skills. His performance earned him selection to the 2011 Super Southeast 120 team by the Mobile Register. Floyd also competed in basketball and track and field, events that enhanced his speed, power, and overall athletic versatility.[2] After high school, he attended Hargrave Military Academy for a postgraduate year to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Rated a three-star recruit with an ESPN scout grade of 79 at the time of his commitment, Floyd drew interest from several major programs and committed to the University of Georgia in April 2011 over offers from schools including Alabama, Florida, Mississippi State, Purdue, and South Carolina. He was later re-rated as a four-star recruit by services like 247Sports following his prep year.[9][10]College career
Leonard Floyd joined the Georgia Bulldogs in 2013 following his prep year at Hargrave Military Academy. As a true freshman in 2013, Floyd appeared in all 13 games, starting eight, and recorded 55 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 6.5 sacks, along with two forced fumbles.[2][5][11] During his sophomore season in 2014, Floyd appeared in 11 games, starting all 11, and tallied 55 tackles (21 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, earning honorable mention All-SEC recognition for his contributions to the Bulldogs' defense.[2][12][11] In 2015, as a junior, Floyd started all 13 games for the Bulldogs, leading the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hurries while recording 74 total tackles (37 solo), 4.5 sacks, and 0 forced fumbles; his performance earned him second-team All-SEC honors and a spot as one of five finalists for the Butkus Award, presented to the nation's top linebacker.[13][14][3][11] Following the 2015 season, Floyd announced his decision to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.[15] Over three seasons at Georgia, Floyd played in 37 games with 32 starts, amassing 182 tackles (90 solo), 17 sacks—ranking 11th in school history—28.5 tackles for loss, and 5 forced fumbles.[2][16][11]Professional career
Pre-draft process
Floyd entered the pre-draft evaluation as one of the premier edge rushers in the 2016 NFL Draft class, participating in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and Georgia's Pro Day in March 2016. At the Combine, he measured 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 244 pounds, raising some concerns among scouts about his frame's ability to hold up against NFL offensive linemen without added bulk. However, he impressed with his athletic testing, running a 4.60-second 40-yard dash, achieving a 39.5-inch vertical jump, and posting a 10-foot-7-inch broad jump, metrics that highlighted his elite explosiveness off the line.[17][18] During Georgia's Pro Day, Floyd opted to stand on most of his Combine numbers but re-tested the vertical jump, recording 35 inches amid minor issues with footing; he also skipped the bench press due to a pectoral injury but focused on position drills to demonstrate his pass-rush versatility. NFL analysts ranked him as the top defensive end prospect, praising his speed, bend, and ability to disrupt quarterbacks, often drawing comparisons to Von Miller for his quick first step and relentless pursuit skills. His college production, including 17 sacks over three seasons at Georgia, further bolstered his stock as a high-upside edge defender capable of transitioning to a 3-4 outside linebacker role.[19][20][21] The Chicago Bears selected Floyd with the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, trading up from No. 14 to secure him as a cornerstone for their defensive front. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $15.8 million, including a $9.7 million signing bonus, reflecting his status as a top-10 talent despite lingering questions about his ideal playing weight around 250 pounds. Scouts ultimately valued his proven explosiveness and production over size concerns, projecting him as an immediate rotational pass rusher with All-Pro potential.[22]Chicago Bears tenure (2016–2019)
Leonard Floyd was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. As a rookie in 2016, Floyd appeared in 12 games, starting all of them, and recorded 33 tackles, seven sacks, nine tackles for loss, two passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.[5] His seven sacks tied for third among NFL rookies that season, contributing significantly to the Bears' pass rush despite the team finishing with a 3–13 record and missing the playoffs. Floyd's performance was hampered by injuries, including two concussions and a neck injury that sidelined him for four games. In 2017, Floyd started 10 games before a knee injury involving tears to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) ended his season after Week 10.[23] He tallied 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, two passes defensed, and one fumble recovery, leading the Bears in sacks despite the limited play.[5] The Bears again missed the playoffs with a 5–11 record, but Floyd's resilience in the defensive scheme coordinated by Vic Fangio highlighted his potential as an edge rusher.[24] Floyd's 2018 season marked a breakout in terms of availability, as he started all 16 games and posted career highs of 47 tackles, four sacks, nine tackles for loss, four passes defensed, 11 quarterback hits, and one interception returned 19 yards for a touchdown.[5] Despite the modest sack total—partly due to a fractured hand suffered in preseason that required surgery—Floyd earned recognition as a Pro Bowl alternate for his contributions to the Bears' defense, which ranked first in the NFL in points and yards allowed.[25] The team achieved an 12–4 record and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2010, with Floyd recording seven tackles in their Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.[26] Floyd started all 16 games in 2019 but experienced a decline in production, registering 40 tackles, three sacks, three tackles for loss, and one pass defensed amid ongoing injury concerns, including a concussion, hamstring strain, and calf issues.[5][27] The Bears finished 8–8 and missed the postseason, prompting questions about Floyd's consistency as a pass rusher.[28] Over his four seasons with the Bears, Floyd amassed 154 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, nine passes defensed, one interception, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries across 54 games (54 starts), operating primarily as an outside linebacker in Vic Fangio's 3–4 base defense until Fangio's departure after 2018.[5][29] Floyd played out his four-year rookie contract, valued at $15.78 million with a $9.68 million signing bonus, before becoming an unrestricted free agent in March 2020 after the Bears declined his fifth-year option.Los Angeles Rams tenure (2020–2022)
Floyd signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams as an unrestricted free agent on March 18, 2020, following his release from the Chicago Bears. In his debut season with the Rams under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, Floyd started all 16 games and recorded 10.5 sacks—tying his career high—along with 55 total tackles (31 solo), 11 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble, contributing significantly to the team's NFC West title and divisional playoff appearance.[30][6] On March 15, 2021, Floyd re-signed with the Rams on a four-year, $64 million extension.[31] Under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, he started all 17 regular-season games in 2021, registering 9.5 sacks, a career-high 70 total tackles (37 solo), one interception, three passes defended, and one forced fumble, helping anchor the defensive line alongside Aaron Donald.[30][2] Floyd's performance carried into the postseason, where he tallied 12 tackles and two sacks across four games, including one sack in Super Bowl LVI as the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 to secure their first Super Bowl victory since the 1999 season.[32][33] In 2022, Floyd continued as a starter for all 17 games, notching nine sacks, 59 total tackles (31 solo), 10 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery, though the Rams finished 5–12 and missed the playoffs amid injuries to key players like Donald.[30] Over his three seasons in Los Angeles, Floyd amassed 29 regular-season sacks while adapting to scheme changes from Staley's aggressive front to Morris's versatile coverage-based system, providing consistent edge pressure opposite Donald and bolstering the Rams' pass rush that ranked among the league's elite during their 2021 championship run.[5] The Rams released Floyd on March 10, 2023, saving approximately $15.5 million in cap space.[32]Buffalo Bills tenure (2023)
On June 5, 2023, Leonard Floyd signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills worth up to $9 million, including a $7 million base salary and incentives tied to sack production, as the team sought to bolster its pass rush amid uncertainty surrounding Von Miller's recovery from an ACL injury sustained in 2022.[34][35] Floyd, who had previously achieved a career-high 10.5 sacks during the 2020 season with the Los Angeles Rams, joined a defensive line featuring emerging talent like Greg Rousseau.[5] Under head coach Sean McDermott, Floyd quickly integrated into the Bills' aggressive 4-3 defense, serving as a key rotational edge rusher opposite Rousseau and providing consistent pressure on quarterbacks.[36] In 17 games with 16 starts during the 2023 regular season, he recorded 10.5 sacks—tying his personal best—along with 32 combined tackles, one forced fumble, and nine tackles for loss.[37] His performance earned him $1 million in incentives upon reaching 10 sacks against the Dallas Cowboys in December 2023.[38] Floyd's contributions helped anchor Buffalo's defense, which ranked third in the NFL in sacks (55 total), aiding the team's 11-6 record and clinching of the AFC East division title for the fourth consecutive year.[30] However, the Bills' season ended with a 27-24 playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round. As a pending free agent in March 2024, Floyd was not re-signed by the Bills amid their salary cap constraints and roster restructuring efforts, allowing him to enter free agency.San Francisco 49ers tenure (2024)
On March 11, 2024, Leonard Floyd signed a two-year contract worth $20 million with the San Francisco 49ers, including $12 million guaranteed, to strengthen their pass rush alongside Nick Bosa. During the 2024 regular season, Floyd started all 17 games opposite Bosa, recording 42 total tackles (25 solo), 8.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection.[30][5] His 8.5 sacks led the team and ranked 12th in the NFL, providing consistent pressure despite the 49ers finishing 6-11 amid widespread injuries. Floyd adapted effectively to the 49ers' 4-3 defensive scheme under first-year coordinator Nick Sorensen, contributing to a unit that ranked 14th in sacks per game despite the team's struggles.[39] This marked his third consecutive one-year deal following stints with the Rams and Bills, emphasizing his role as a rotational veteran edge rusher. The 49ers released Floyd on March 11, 2025, as part of broader roster moves entering a rebuild phase.[40]Atlanta Falcons tenure (2025)
On March 13, 2025, Leonard Floyd signed a one-year, $10 million fully guaranteed contract with the Atlanta Falcons to bolster their defensive line with veteran leadership and pass-rushing experience.[41][42] The deal had a cap hit of approximately $10 million and marked his fifth consecutive one-year agreement since departing the Chicago Bears.[43][44] During the 2025 regular season, Floyd appeared in 15 games for the Falcons, recording 19 tackles (6 solo), 3.5 sacks, 1 pass defensed, and 0 forced fumbles over 460 snaps. Pro Football Focus reported 4 sacks and 36 total pressures in that span. His PFF grades were 60.1 overall (82nd out of 115 edge defenders), 61.8 in pass rush (71st), and 60.0 in run defense (71st).[45][46] Under new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, hired in January 2025, Floyd rotated as an edge rusher alongside younger talents like Arnold Ebiketie, contributing to the Falcons' defensive front.[47][46] Following the 2025 season, Floyd became an unrestricted free agent heading into 2026.[44]Career statistics and achievements
Regular season statistics
Leonard Floyd has compiled a solid statistical profile as a pass-rushing defensive end across his NFL career, with a focus on generating pressures and tackles for loss. His regular season performance shows consistent participation, having appeared in 12 or more games each season from 2016 to 2025, including 15 games in 2025.[5][26] The following table summarizes his key regular season defensive statistics year by year:| Year | Team | GP | GS | Solo | Ast | Sacks | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | CHI | 12 | 12 | 23 | 10 | 7.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2017 | CHI | 16 | 16 | 28 | 18 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2018 | CHI | 16 | 16 | 33 | 15 | 4.5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 2019 | CHI | 16 | 16 | 27 | 13 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | LAR | 16 | 16 | 31 | 24 | 10.5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 | LAR | 17 | 17 | 37 | 33 | 9.5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 | LAR | 17 | 17 | 31 | 28 | 9.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | BUF | 17 | 17 | 35 | 17 | 10.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | SF | 17 | 17 | 29 | 13 | 8.5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | ATL | 15 | 15 | 6 | 13 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Career Totals | 160 | 157 | 300 | 184 | 70.0 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 16 |
Postseason statistics
Leonard Floyd has participated in nine postseason games throughout his NFL career, spanning stints with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers, where he amassed 24 combined tackles and 5.0 sacks.[5] His playoff performances highlight his role as a disruptive pass rusher in critical matchups, often generating pressure on quarterbacks during high-stakes contests.[30] The following table summarizes Floyd's key postseason statistics by year and team:| Year | Team | Games Played | Combined Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Chicago Bears | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Rams | 2 | 5 | 2 |
| 2021 | Los Angeles Rams | 4 | 12 | 2 |
| 2023 | Buffalo Bills | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 2024 | San Francisco 49ers | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Career Totals | 9 | 24 | 5 |