Bears exercise fifth-year option on Leonard Floyd

Chicago Bears’ general manager Ryan Pace announced their intention months ago, but now they’ve officially exercised the fifth-year option on outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. He’s now signed through the 2020 season, and as it stands now, that fifth-year will be for around $13 million. Chicago could try to sign him to a contract extension beyond the fifth-year which could lower the 2020 cap hit. Also, the option is fully guaranteed in case of injury only, so the Bears could still decide to part ways with him after this year.

Last year was Floyd’s best all around season as he played all 16 games for the first time in his career and was named as a Pro Bowl alternate. He had a slow start to his 2018 after rehabbing from knee surgery in the offseaosn and breaking his hand in preseason. And after the Bears traded for Khalil Mack, he had to get used to playing a different role.

Floyd, who will turn 27 in September, played solid all around football early last year, but his productivity increased in the second half. In games 8 through 16, he had all 4 of his sacks, 10 of his 11 quarterback hits., and 8 of his 9 tackles for loss. He also played well in the Wildcard game against the Eagles with a sack, 2 QBH, a TFL, and a pass defensed.

It will be interesting to see how new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano will utilize Floyd in his scheme, which in the past has been a little more aggressive — and inventive — in how they rush the passer.