While the Buffalo Bills have been fairly quiet this offseason, they made a very nice signing on Monday that could prove to be a big help to their championship hopes in 2023.
The Buffalo Bills 2022 season did not end the way they hoped. After just coming up short in the Divisional Round two years ago to the Kansas City Chiefs, the organization had some lofty goals heading into this past season.
Related: NFL power rankings – Ranking all 32 teams heading into the summer
Early on it seemed like Buffalo could be the team to beat in the AFC. However, a season-ending injury to Von Miller and a debilitating elbow injury to Josh Allen hampered their chances and they were again bounced from the NFL Playoffs in the Divisional Round. This time by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Heading into the offseason, there was some speculation the Buffalo Bills could look to make some big moves to try and get their roster to a place where they can take that next step and reach the Super Bowl. However, despite various rumors, the team has been fairly quiet over the last few months.
Buffalo Bills sign Leonard Floyd to one-year deal
Until now, the addition of one-time Pro Bowler Latavius Murray was the most noteworthy player the team added in NFL Free Agency. However, on Monday they changed things with a surprise splash on the open market.
NFL Media league insider Ian Rappoport was the first to report that the Buffalo Bills had signed seven-year veteran Leonard Floyd to a one-year contract. The financial terms of the deal have not yet been revealed but it likely should be at least in the $9 to $12 million range.
While the addition of Leonard Floyd may not jump out to some fans, the 30-year-old has been a very consistent pass-rushing threat over the last three seasons. In that time he has had nine or more sacks year and hit a peak with 10.5 for the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.
- Leonard Floyd stats (2022): 59 tackles, 9 sacks, 22 QB hits
If Von Miller can return to full health after an ACL tear last season, he and Floyd make a strong pass-rush combo for the team. And that will be key if they hope to overcome teams with talented QBs like the Chiefs, Bengals, and Chargers in the playoffs.