The Atlanta Falcons didn't hand out a ton of cash in free agency, instead, they made a few additions on the open market. Back in March, the Falcons signed defensive end Leonard Floyd to a one-year, $10 million deal.
The Falcons doubled down on pass rushers, as they drafted Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in April's draft. They wanted to bolster their defensive line, and they achieved that goal. With training camp starting on July 23, the NFL season isn't far behind, and Floyd is someone who could end up being their best value signing.
Leonard Floyd May Be Great Value Signing
Considering Floyd is a Super Bowl LVI champion, he brings outstanding experience to a young team looking to take that next step. Even though he's 32 years old and will turn 33 in September, he can still play football at a high level.
Just last season with the San Francisco 49ers, he finished with 42 total tackles, eight TFLs, 16 QB hits, and 8.5 sacks.
Over the course of his nine-year career, Floyd posted 412 total tackles, 71 TFLs, 138 QB hits, and 66.5 sacks. The Georgia product has recorded at least 8.5 sacks for five straight seasons. No Falcons pass rusher has seen at least eight sacks since 2019, with Vic Beasley.
The Falcons know they needed more juice off the edge, and Floyd is a veteran who can still do that consistently. He entered the league as the ninth-overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. He has familiarity with the scheme as Raheem Morris was his defensive coordinator for two seasons with the LA Rams.
Not only that, but paying $10 million for a pass rusher who can get after the quarterback is huge. Another area where the addition of Floyd will come through is the tips and knowledge he can pass on to guys like Walker and Pearce Jr.
Being in the NFL for 10 years is no easy task. He's been able to play on different teams and be productive along the way. Passing on info like how to recover, train, and beat opposing linemen will not help the team this year, but help guys in their careers.
Handing out $10 million could end up looking like a bargain for the Falcons in a couple of months.