Chicago Sun-Times

Floyd headed to Rams

- BY PATRICK FINLEY, STAFF REPORTER pfinley@suntimes.com | @patrickfin­ley

Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd could end up making $13 million this year after all.

One day after the Bears cut Floyd — and got rid of his $13.2 million option for 2020 — he agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract worth up to $13 million with the Rams, according to ESPN.

The landing spot is a familiar one for Floyd. Brandon Staley, his position coach with the Bears from 2017-18, is entering his first season as the Rams’ defensive coordinato­r.

The Bears cut Floyd on Tuesday, one day before his $13.2 million contract was to become guaranteed at the start of the league year. Seeking a stronger pass rusher, they signed former Cowboys edge rusher Robert Quinn to a fiveyear, $70 million deal. Quinn had 11½ sacks last season.

Floyd, who was selected No. 9 overall by the Bears in 2016, never developed into the edge-rushing threat the team believed he could be. He recorded seven sacks in 12 games as a rookie, but had only 11½ in his next 42 games.

More needs

The Panthers cut strong safety Eric Reid, adding to an already impressive free-agent class at his position. The Bears still need a safety to pair with ballhawk Eddie Jackson, whom they gave a contract extension in January. Outgoing safety Ha Ha ClintonDix remains available.

Now that they’ve secured a second quarterbac­k for the 2020-21 season, the Bears will turn toward their remaining needs: a starting cornerback to replace the released Prince Amukamara; an interior lineman to replace Kyle Long; and perhaps a speedy receiver.

The team still is expected to explore a contract extension for star receiver Allen Robinson, who has one year left on his deal.

This and that

The Bears aren’t allowed to officially confirm signings or trades until the players they acquire pass a physical, and that process has been slowed by the NFL’s travel restrictio­ns in the wake of the coronaviru­s. Teleconfer­ences with new additions Nick Foles, Jimmy Graham and Quinn — as well as coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace — are on hold until the physicals are completed.

◆ The Bears didn’t tender outside linebacker Isaiah Irving, rendering him a free agent. The team still could sign Irving, who played in 13 games last year and 33 over three seasons, later in the offseason. Irving played 37.2 percent of the Bears’ special-teams snaps last year, 10th-most on the team.

 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? The Bears could look to acquire strong safety Eric Reid (tackling the Falcons’ Calvin Ridley), who was cut by the Panthers.
GETTY IMAGES The Bears could look to acquire strong safety Eric Reid (tackling the Falcons’ Calvin Ridley), who was cut by the Panthers.

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