Chicago Bears fans have had just about enough of the Leonard Floyd experiment. Two year ago GM Ryan Pace sold people on the idea that this kid was a potential monster in the making. His sheer physical skill as an athlete was rare. He was the new face of their pass rush. Early on it looked like that would be true.
As a rookie, there were stretches where he looked absolutely dominant. Yet, as it turns out, that would be the best he’d ever look. Fast forward to present day and the patience is wearing out on waiting for Floyd to turn the corner. He’s in his third year. This should be the typical time when an NFL prospect starts to blossom.
It hasn’t happened. Now the big question comes up. With one week left before the deadline, is it time to consider trading him? Yes and no. There are actually some strong arguments for and against it. So let’s explore.
Pro: Leonard Floyd exit offers more opportunities to Aaron Lynch
The fact of the matter is Floyd isn’t accomplishing the most important job he was drafted to do. He’s not applying pressure on the quarterback. Keep in mind his productivity has gone steadily downward since his rookie season in 2016. He had seven sacks his first year, 4.5 sacks last year and now doesn’t have even one this season. In fact, he only has four pressures total in six games. That’s not good.
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Meanwhile, free agent addition Aaron Lynch has done far more in fewer opportunities. He’s rushed the passer 96 times and has 13 pressures with two sacks in that span. He has earned a right to more playing time if Floyd isn’t going to do his primary job.
Pro: Avoids a second contract
The Bears have a decision coming up regarding Floyd’s rookie deal. He’ll enter the 4th year of his contract in 2019, meaning they’d have to decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option or not. Given the way he’s played that’s not happening. By dealing him now they would avoid the need to even consider that course of action, saving up money they can apply elsewhere. It’s not ideal but it is a small benefit.
Pro: He has value against the run and in coverage
While Floyd has completely vanished as a pass rusher, the rest of his game has ironically matured into something quite solid. His run defense is by far the best he’s played in his career to day, making 20 stops behind the line of scrimmage to this point with just six missed tackles in six games.
He’s also demonstrated an ability to drop into coverage, clouding passing lanes. His athleticism has never been in question and there may be teams out there who envision a valuable role he can play that doesn’t involve rushing the quarterback.
Con: Compensation would be limited at best
As of now Floyd’s value is questionable. He hasn’t had a ton of productivity and is essentially leaning on his status as a former 1st round pick. Teams won’t generally risk draft capital for a player like that unless it’s a late round choice. It doesn’t seem likely the Bears would purposely weaken the depth of their front seven for something like that. Maybe it’s better to just stick it out the rest of the year and see if he comes around.
Leonard Floyd really hit Danny Amendola with a WWE pumphandle slam in a football gamepic.twitter.com/KiRwrXpRwu
— lifelong Red Sox fan, totally not a salty Cubs fan (@ThePTEShow) October 14, 2018
Con: Contract is about to become an issue
As stated above, the Bears would be able to avoid discussing a second contract with Floyd were they to trade him. The problem would be whichever team decides to deal for him would inherit their current dilemma. That might not be appealing unless the other team has an abundance of salary cap space. This would narrow the list of potential suitors by a considerable margin.
Con: Injury history
Then there’s the matter of health. Availability is always a big thing with NFL teams. For Floyd, this has been a problem. He suffered two concussions his rookie season. Last year he tore up his knee in a collision with Kyle Fuller. Now this year before the season even started he suffered a broken hand. The guy just can’t seem to handle the rigors of the league or is just profoundly unlucky. Or both.
