A weird vibe has hovered around Leonard Floyd for the past month. GM Ryan Pace reiterated that the Chicago Bears still like the outside linebacker. His run defense and coverage ability were valued by the coaching staff. Yet is this really enough to overshadow the fact he’s a very average pass rusher. His sack production has steadily declined over the past four years since he was drafted 9th overall.
It wouldn’t be such a big deal if he were getting paid like $5-6 million this season. However, that’s not the case. Since the Bears picked up his 5th year option last year, his cap total has risen to an uncomfortable level. One that is typically reserved for pass rushers who can actually get to the quarterback frequently. It is this reason that Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune is hearing buzz that teams are expecting the Bears to cut him at some point.
“The status of former first-round draft pick Leonard Floyd is being closely watched around the league with some believing the Bears could part ways with the outside linebacker, a move that would clear his $13.2 million salary and identical cap hit from the books.
General manager Ryan Pace has spoken highly of Floyd’s talents and versatility, but the club’s actions will tell us how they feel about the edge rusher at that pay level, a figure generated by the fifth-year option in his contract. His $13.2 million salary is guaranteed for injury only at this point, but if he’s on the roster on the first day of the new league year — March 18 — it will become fully guaranteed. So, that’s the timeline for a decision on Floyd.”
Leonard Floyd controls his situation with that contract
The problem for Floyd is the Bears are suddenly thrust back into the hunt for quarterback help. Belief is they are going to be aggressive in finding somebody this offseason who can compete and maybe even replace Mitch Trubisky. Odds are that is going to be expensive. It could end up taking away most of the $24-26 million in cap space they have. The only viable way for them to create more is by cutting or trading Floyd.
That extra $13.222 million would be a big difference.
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The only way the linebacker can prevent this from happening is if he considers some sort of new deal on his contract. One that would lower his cap total to something closer to what his production commands. Given Floyd is 28-years old and this is probably his only chance at a massive payday, it feels unlikely he’d be willing to do something like that.
Thus the two sides could reach an impasse, forcing the Bears’ hand.
