NW Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly signed Leonard Floyd, an edge rusher, to a one-year contract valued at $10 million. This news comes as the NFL's new league year is set to begin on March 12. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network broke the news on Tuesday.

Floyd was released by the San Francisco 49ers earlier that day. During his single season with the 49ers, he achieved 8.5 sacks, made 42 combined tackles, and recorded 16 quarterback hits across 17 starts. At age 32, Floyd has several connections within the Falcons organization.

Ryan Pace, now vice president of football operations for the Falcons, drafted Floyd in 2016 when he was general manager of the Chicago Bears. At that time, Pace expressed his appreciation for Floyd's skills beyond statistics: "Leonard does a lot of things that go a little undervalued." He praised Floyd's versatility and coverage abilities in a statement from 2020.

Floyd later joined the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent and significantly increased his production there under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who is currently head coach of the Falcons. Over four years with the Rams, Floyd accumulated 39.5 sacks and delivered 78 quarterback hits.

Morris has previously spoken highly of Floyd: "Leonard is a special player, man...he comes off as a quiet person — he is not."

In addition to these professional connections, Floyd has personal ties to Georgia; he was born in Atlanta and attended both Dodge County High School in Eastman and the University of Georgia.

Floyd’s return to Atlanta reunites him with both Pace and Morris and brings him back to his home state.