Leonard Floyd Likely To Force the Bears Into a Tough Decision

People think the answer to the Leonard Floyd conundrum for the Chicago Bears is a simple one. Just give the outside linebacker a limited contract extension. This way he gets some guaranteed money and long-term security and the team gets to lower his substantial salary cap hit for 2020. It’s a fine idea that makes sense as the Bears prepare to reshuffle their roster despite limited resources this offseason.

Except it’s almost never that simple.

Here’s something to remember. Most players aren’t thinking about the best interests of the team. They put themselves first. That isn’t a bad thing. It is just the nature of this business. Typically players have one real shot at landing a lucrative contract in their careers. That comes after their rookie contracts expire. Don’t forget that Floyd is already 28-years old. If he were to accept that “limited” extension, it would use up that chance.

Put in his place, would you accept that or would you stick to your guns and let 2020 play out?

Leonard Floyd has no reason to make things easy on the Bears

The only reason Floyd would have to accept this team-friendly extension idea is if he feels he’s incapable of getting more. This could be done by declining any offers and playing next season on his option. If he delivers a strong season, he’s virtually guaranteed to make a lot more as a free agent in 2021. Pass rushers are always in high demand in the NFL. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility that he decides to gamble on himself.

This though would put the Bears in a bind.

They need all the cap space they can get. Not only do they have 22 in-house free agents to deal with. They also would like to do some shopping of their own on the open market. Particularly for help at quarterback. Floyd making a stand on his $13.222 million number for this year could force GM Ryan Pace into a difficult decision. Does he stay the course and keep the young linebacker in the fold or does he decide on a more drastic measure such as cutting or trading him?

The Bears have insisted that they like Floyd and believe he brings value to the defense with his coverage and run-defending prowess. Is that worth $13 million though? No, it isn’t. This would be one thing if they had cap room to spare. They do not. So if Floyd throws down the challenge by rebuffing extension talks, then it could lead to a fateful move for both sides.