The Los Angeles Rams moved quickly after learning that Dante Fowler Jr. wouldn’t be returning, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with Leonard Floyd. The deal is worth $10 million, making Floyd almost a lock to start for the Rams in 2020.
It’s a recognizable name to many fans, but there are some things about Floyd you may not know. For example, he has ties to the Rams’ coaching staff and roster.
Here are four things to know about the Rams’ newest pass rusher.
He played for Brandon Staley in Chicago
If there’s anyone who knows Floyd’s game, it’s the Rams’ defensive coordinator. The two worked together in 2017 and 2018 when Staley coached the outside linebackers in Chicago. In those two seasons, Floyd had 8.5 combined sacks and 23 QB hits, missing six games in that span.
Staley’s fingerprints are all over this move, given his history with Floyd. He played him on the strong side at outside linebacker, allowing him to not only rush the passer from there, but also asking him to take on right tackles and tight ends in the running game.