Leonard Floyd has very quickly managed to find a new home. Shortly after his 49ers release, the veteran edge rusher has lined up a deal with Atlanta.
Floyd is headed to the Falcons, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. This will be a one-year contract worth $10MM. The deal represents a homecoming for the Georgia native. Floyd’s pact is guaranteed in full, per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Floyd inked a two-year deal with the 49ers last offseason, and in his debut San Francisco campaign he finished second on the team with 8.5 sacks. In spite of that production, a release was known to be possible in advance of the offseason. The 49ers moved on earlier today, making Floyd one of the most attractive veteran edge rushers on the market.
The Falcons (recently listed as a Trey Hendrickson suitor) have long been in need of production along the edge. The Matt Judon trade was aimed at filling that void last offseason, and he managed 5.5 sacks in 2024. Judon is set to officially reach free agency starting tomorrow, though, and it would come as little surprise if he were to depart. With between 8.5 and 10.5 sacks in each of the past five years, Floyd will be counted on to provide notable production upon arrival.
The Georgia product will join an edge rush group featuring the likes of Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie and 2024 third-rounder Bralen Trice. If Floyd manages another strong campaign, the Falcons will be able to take a needed step forward in terms of sack production. The team ranked 31st in the NFL with just 31 in 2024.
Atlanta has made several moves related to retaining and extending in-house players so far this offseason. The only other outside addition so far is the agreement with linebacker Divine Deablo. Floyd will join him in a new-look front seven in 2025 and aim to help his free agent stock for next spring in the process.
Three hours ago he got cut. Deal must’ve been worked out waiting for the release
I like this pick up for sure
@sentinelATL. Can’t complain about one year deals.
He was good in Buffalo, but tailed off late in the season.
Always good to see a former Bear and Bulldog stay employed.
Did Carter sign a new deal and I missed it? Last I saw he was a pending free agent.