The Los Angeles Rams were dealt a number of blows to their defense heading into the 2020 NFL season. Among the notable key losses was that of outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., who had been coming off an impressive stint with the Rams that resulted in a big payday with the Atlanta Falcons.
This spurred L.A. to bring on another first-round talent that had struggled to fit the billing to start his career in Leonard Floyd, formerly of the Chicago Bears.
Like Fowler, Floyd has enjoyed quite the resurgence with his new team. However, it appears his time in L.A. could last much longer than his predecessor’s.
Floyd has provided plenty of bang for his buck after signing a one-year deal back in April. Rams head coach Sean McVay revealed that the Rams are already looking into ways to keep him, per Jourdan Rodrigue of the Athletic:
I asked McVay if he wants Leonard Floyd back (he is on a one-year deal), and whether those conversations have started yet…
“Yes. We would like to…those are definitely things we will visit. Our focus is on (this week), but I think the answer is absolutely yes.” https://t.co/dggPH4tl39— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) January 1, 2021
McVay’s comments hardly come as a surprise considering the major role he has played on defense for rookie coordinator Brandon Staley this season. Floyd is putting the finishing touches on a career year with 53 tackles, 9.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries with one game to go.
Floyd’s skill set as both an effective pass rusher and stout tackler in the run game has helped serve as a stabilizing factor for this undermanned linebacker corps. Meanwhile, his affinity for making big plays provide a stark reminder of why he was selected ninth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
There is no question that Floyd has benefitted tremendously from playing alongside defensive tackle Aaron Donald. It is safe to say that the prospect of making it a long-term partnership would be in the best interests of both sides.
Of course, Floyd’s numbers in the 2020 campaign are sure to make him a hot commodity once free agency officially begins after the season. It will be interesting to see if they are able to avoid the same outcome as last offseason.
