The Atlanta Falcons had to address their pass rush at some point during the offseason after finishing second-to-last in sacks last season, but they did not have much cap space. Since they extended Jake Matthews and released Grady Jarrett over the past few days, Atlanta freed up much-needed cap space and is salary cap compliant. The Falcons can now address their pass-rushing woes.
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Atlanta Falcons land star pass rusher with 66.5 career sacks
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Falcons signed Leonard Floyd to a one-year, $10 million contract. Floyd, who turns 33 in September, is on his fifth team and tenth year in the NFL. As Rapoport points out, he returns to his hometown after spending nine years away.
Homecoming: The #Falcons are signing pass-rusher Leonard Floyd, formerly of the #49ers, sources say. He gets a 1-year deal worth $10M, earning a raise after his SF release.
Floyd is UGA product and Chauncey, Ga., native. Deal done by Todd France of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/kOuvHIcc2K
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2025
The newcomer spent the 2024 season with San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers signed Leonard Floyd to a two-year, $20 million contract last offseason. Floyd put up decent numbers, recording 42 tackles, eight TFLs, 16 QB hits, 8.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 17 starts. He finished second on the team in tackles for loss, QB hits, and sacks behind Nick Bosa.
However, despite putting up decent pass-rushing numbers, Floyd underperformed at rushing the passer, with 44 pressures, and an 8.4% pass rush-win rate, which ranked 39th and 55th among 64 EDGE rushers who played a minimum 50% of snaps (h/t) PFF. Finally, he struggled against the run, recording 15 stops and a 6.9% run-stop win rate, which ranked 31st and 19th out of 63 qualified EDGE rushers (h/t) PFF.
The 49ers released Floyd today.
