FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran pass rusher Leonard Floyd in a move they expect will have a positive impact on a unit that ranked 31st in sacks last season.
Atlanta began the offseason with limited cap space — they recently created a bit more financial flexibility — which meant it would likely take a calculated approach with its resources and choose to spend money on known commodities.
Enter Floyd, who spent two seasons with Falcons head coach Raheem Morris as members of the Los Angeles Rams and was drafted by Ryan Pace, Atlanta's vice president of football operations/player personnel, when he was general manager of the Chicago Bears in 2016. Those direct relationships with Floyd give the Falcons a clear understanding of exactly what they are getting. From Floyd's perspective, that history was key in helping the free agent find his next home.
"Oh, yeah, it definitely was. It definitely was," Floyd said when asked if their presence played a role in his decision to join the Falcons. "Being back with Coach Rah and being able to be on with coach Pace again, it's a great opportunity for me to come in and do what I do best."
What Floyd does best is something the Falcons need.
The former No. 9 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft got off to a slow in his career with just 18.5 sacks for the Bears in his first four seasons, but he turned things around after arriving in Los Angeles before the 2020 season. Floyd has registered 48 sacks over the last five seasons, which ranks eighth among all defenders in that time.
Morris saw firsthand the impact Floyd can make, particularly in big situations. Of his 48 sacks since the 2020 season, 23.5 came on third down. He has two forced fumbles and fumble recoveries on the critical down as well.
During the Rams' Super Bowl run in 2021, Floyd sacked Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady on a third-down play in the fourth quarter that prevented a field goal attempt in a 30-27 Los Angeles win. During the Super Bowl, Floyd sacked Joe Burrow on a third down just before halftime to maintain a three-point lead.
The success he enjoyed out in Los Angeles, particularly during his time with Morris, stuck with Floyd.
"He pretty much made it easy," Floyd said of his head coach. "He made it very easy, yes, because I know the type of coach he is, and I know what he expect his players to bring on game day.
"I had some of my best, my best plays out there playing in L.A. with him. I won a ring with him in L.A. So, yeah, by far, he's one of the best I had."
Atlanta allowed opposing offenses to convert more than 45% of their third-down attempts in 2024, finishing 31st in that metric. Furthermore, the Falcons had only seven sacks on third down, contributing to their inability to get off the field consistently.
Floyd's track record on that key down could prove to be as impactful as anything for the Falcons next season. During his press conference, Floyd likened a pass rush to a basketball rotation. Players come in and out of the lineup depending on matchup, skill set and energy levels.
At this stage of his career, Floyd may not be an every down player, but he can be a superior specialist who excels in an area the Falcons need to improve. His relationship with Morris on the field and Pace off of it will help Floyd acclimate quickly.
"He's more than a coach. He's like a brother, father, you know," Floyd said of Morris. "He's a great person, great guy to be around, and I look forward to playing for him again."
