LA Rams officially sign 2020 FA OLB Leonard Floyd

The LA Rams announced today that the team has officially signed both OLB Leonard Floyd and DL A’Shawn Robinson

OLB Leonard Floyd has officially passed his physical making him the latest member of the LA Rams. Floyd originally was the ninth overall pick in 2016 by the Chicago Bears. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, the standard process of clearing the medical examination for free agents was modified by the NFL. Thus, it took a while to make it official but he is now on the books for a one-year $10 million dollar contract.

Floyd played under Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley previously.  You see, Staley was his outside linebacker coach in Chicago from 2017-2018. Because of the familiarity, he knows Floyd’s potential and the fit makes perfect sense. During his time in Chicago, Floyd had one interception, one fumble, and 18.5 sacks. The talent is there but he will certainly need to pick up the production for the new role with the Rams. The Rams did not take long to pursue him after the Bears released him.

While Staley was in Chicago under Fangio, Floyd’s position was the Sam linebacker. The Sam in a Vic Fangio 3-4 style defense plays the strong side of defenses and can drop back into a pass coverage role. This makes sense as Khalil Mack was the Rover and specialized in rushing the passer.

However, the Sam must also have the ability to also run the passer as to confuse defenses on who the coordinator is sending, and be strong enough to take on blocks from an offensive lineman. It’s not hard to see that Floyd will be reprising that role with the Rams. The next question will be if the Rams decide to get a fresh face to pair with him in the draft or stay in the house.

In any case, we can now officially welcome Leonard Floyd as a member of the Ramily.