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In the initial round of free agency signings, the San Francisco 49ers showed great attention to their defensive front, bringing in three defensive lineman and re-signing Kevin Givens on Thursday for a one-year contract. NFL commentator Bucky Brooks took notice of the team’s signing of veteran defensive lineman Leonard Floyd to a two-year contract during the first week of free agency.
At the top of Brooks’ list of five surprise signings from around the league was Floyd’s move to The Bay. What Brooks thought of the 49ers’ newest edge rusher was as follows:
“The 49ers’ goal of going back to fundamentals in defense depends on the unit racking up more pressure plays and sacks without blitzing. Since 2020, Floyd has effectively recorded 39.5 sacks, with a minimum of nine in every season. The ninth-year veteran, who lines up opposite Nick Bosa, should thrive on one-on-one opportunities in clear-cut passing situations, leading to more spectacular plays (sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers) for a defense that consistently performs at a high level.”
The Philadelphia Eagles signed safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson during free agency; the New England Patriots signed quarterback Jacoby Brissett; the Los Angeles Chargers signed running back Gus Edwards; and the Washington Commanders signed linebacker Bobby Wagner. These moves are also among Brooks’ list of underappreciated signings.
The Chicago Bears selected Floyd with the ninth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. His eight-year career has included appearances in 121 games (120 starts), 370 tackles, 58.0 sacks, 63 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 14 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries with the Bears (2016–19), Los Angeles Rams (2020–22), and Buffalo Bills (2023). In nine postseason games, he has started as well. His stats include 24 tackles, 5.0 sacks, five tackles for loss, and one pass defensed.
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