Bears Again Refused to Budge on the Leonard Floyd Issue

Mitch Trubisky isn't the only former Ryan Pace 1st round pick who's drawn the frustration of Chicago Bears fans lately. Leonard Floyd is feeling that same heat as well. No surprise after a lackluster 2019 that saw him deliver just three sacks in 16 games. A miserable number considering he rushed across from a superstar like Khalil Mack. Combine that with a hefty salary cap number ($13.222 million) and it's not hard to understand why many people feel he's not worth keeping around.

This has led to many calling for the Bears to either cut or trade him and find somebody who can actually get after the quarterback. However, GM Ryan Pace has refused to budge on this subject. He explained back in January that the team saw a lot of value in what Floyd brings to the table outside of the pass rush. Things that not a lot of outside linebackers can offer.

When given a chance to change that stance at the scouting combine on Tuesday? Pace remained steadfast.

"You know I think Leonard wants to be more productive as a pass rusher. We want him to be more productive there too. God, he's close in a lot of areas when you look at the pressures and those things. He just needs to finish a little bit better on the quarterback. I think when you evaluate him, you have to factor in everything.

His run defense. His ability in coverage. We consider him our SAM outside linebacker so we value what he can do in coverage and I think sometimes that goes a little underrated and what he does in that area. For a guy of his stature, not many guys can drop in coverage like he does."

Leonard Floyd isn't going anywhere, like it or not

There is no room for doubt on that. It's clear that the Bears fully intend to have Floyd in their plans for 2020. In truth, this isn't a surprise. The guy has been a notable contributor on a defense that has finished in the top 10 for three-straight seasons. While his pass rush deficiencies are beyond frustrating, the team truly does value his versatility enough to overlook it. No doubt they hope the return of a healthy Akiem Hicks can make up for that issue.

The question becomes what do they plan to do about his cap hit? Over $13 million is a lot of money for a guy who's primary benefits don't involve sacking the quarterback. Many believe the best course of action is to offer Floyd an extension. One that gives him some long-term security while dropping his overall cap number to something more palatable.

It's not a bad idea. The problem is it requires both sides to be on board with it. Floyd could easily see that as a poor move. This is likely his only chance to secure a massive payday as a free agent looking towards 2021. He'll be 29-years old by that point. So accepting a discounted long-term deal now could rob him of million should he finally break out this season.

A complicated issue to watch.