The Los Angeles Rams are continuing with their cost-cutting mentality after a down 2022 season. Star edge rusher Leonard Floyd is the latest casualty.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Los Angeles has opted to release the veteran after failing to find a trade partner for his services.
Said move will come with a post-June 1 designation, saving the Rams $15.5 million against the cap. If Los Angeles had released Floyd outright, said savings would be just $3 million.
Floyd, 30, has been among the most consistent pass rushers in the NFL over the past several seasons. He recorded at least nine sacks in each of his three seasons with the Rams after coming over on a free-agent deal from the Chicago Bears back in 2020.
- Leonard Floyd stats (2022): 59 tackles, 22 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, nine sacks
Los Angeles has already moved off Pro Bowl defender Bobby Wagner ahead of free agency. Fellow star defender, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, will likely be traded here soon. All of this comes after an injury-plagued 2022 season in which the Rams won just five games.
Related: Leonard Floyd and big-name NFL salary cap casualties
As for who might have interest in Floyd during NFL free agency, teams that run 3-4 defensive schemes will certainly come calling to acquire the talent.
He has proven over and over again that he can play a big role in the success of a defense. The former Chicago Bears first-round pick has recorded 103 quarterback hits, 54 tackles for loss and 47.5 sacks in seven NFL seasons.
Teams such as the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers will likely come calling. But that won’t be the extent of the interest in Leonard Floyd once the NFL free agent tampering period opens on Monday.