Leonard Floyd's Status Could Be More In Doubt Than Expected

GM Ryan Pace has made the public stance clear on Leonard Floyd. Despite his struggles rushing the passer, the Chicago Bears value him as a SAM linebacker who can drop in coverage and play the run. He isn't going anywhere. Then again, is this really the case? This time of year is when general managers tend to lie the most. Could he be misdirecting people on the plans for Floyd?

While none have said it outright, multiple Bears insiders have come out since the scouting combine began and hinted strongly that the team might not have total conviction on Floyd as it may seem. It started with Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune who feels the bloated price tag for keeping the linebacker is a problem.

"Unless the Bears can work out an extension for Floyd, which he might be opposed to at this point, that $13.2 million figure looms large. Maybe too large."

Then just 24 hours later, Adam Hoge of WGN chimed in.

"His $13.2 million fifth-year option becomes fully guaranteed on March 18. That’s a lot of money for an edge rusher that has a total of 11.5 sacks over the last three years. Floyd’s ability to drop into coverage at his size is unique, but continuing to compliment his run defense only carries so much weight. You can find good run defenders on the edge for less than $13.2 million."

That price tag could create an issue with Leonard Floyd

It's interesting that both men pointed out that cap number so close together. The Bears have upwards of $26 million in space at present. That isn't a lot to work with and they have several needs to address. Floyd's $13.2 million hit is the last one they could remove without a single penny of dead money to worry about. It's an awfully tempting situation, even if it meant sacrificing Floyd's supposed standout value in coverage.

If the Bears want to avoid that, it would make sense to approach him about a possible contract extension. One that would lower his cap hit to something closer to his actual value. It sounds like a nice middle ground option. Except for one problem. Why would Floyd accept that?

He turns 28 in September. This is likely his one and only chance to earn a massive payday in the NFL. If he accepts a discounted extension, that opportunity will disappear. From his perspective, it would make more sense to stand firm on his 5th year option, get a guaranteed $13.2 million and then bet on himself to play better this season, hopefully getting himself a way better deal as a free agent next spring.

This would put the Bears in a bind.

Do they bite the bullet and pay Floyd that number or do they make the tough decision to send him packing? A lot of this could hinge on what happens with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. If it's ratified in the next couple of weeks, it could give the Bears an extra $20 million in cap space. This would alleviate some of the issues, making the decision easier. If not? Then March 18th will become a fascinating date.