ATLANTA – The Atlanta Falcons have bolstered their defensive lineup by securing a one-year, $10 million agreement with edge rusher Leonard Floyd, according to an individual knowledgeable about the negotiations. This person shared the details on the condition of anonymity as the official announcement has yet to be made public.
This development follows quickly after Floyd’s release from the San Francisco 49ers. At 32 years of age, Floyd contributed 8.5 sacks for the 49ers over the course of all 17 games last season. While his pass rush win rate was noted to be one of the lower in the league according to Pro Football Focus, the Falcons are keen to enhance their pass-rushing capabilities, which remains a focal area of improvement for the team this offseason. In 2024, the Falcons found themselves ranked as second-worst in the NFL, recording only 31 sacks.
Floyd brings with him an impressive career tally of 66.5 sacks, including 48 amassed over the last five seasons. Hailing from Atlanta, Floyd’s return signals a homecoming. Initially drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears in 2016, he made a strong impression following his college career at the University of Georgia.
Back in 2016, the Bears’ general manager was Ryan Pace, who currently holds the position of vice president of football operations/player personnel with the Falcons. Floyd will once again team up with Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, having previously played under him during his stint with the Los Angeles Rams between 2020 and 2022, where Morris served as the defensive coordinator.
In addition to Floyd, the Falcons also signed linebacker Divine Deablo as free agency commenced on Tuesday. Deablo, who posted 63 tackles in 14 games with the Raiders last season, demonstrated his prowess with 106 tackles across 15 games in 2023. The contract with Deablo extends over two years, further strengthening the Falcons’ defensive roster.
