Chicago Bears: It’s Leonard Floyd’s time to shine

Before the Chicago Bears traded for Khalil Mack the last offseason, Leonard Floyd was to be the main pass rusher. Not much has changed, but it is now Floyd’s time to shine.

We all know how great Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack is at football. He is one of the best pass rushers to ever play in the NFL. He is even more than that for the Bears. He is a spark that has helped ignite the Bears defense into something special.

Mack is not the only face of this defense though. Eddie Jackson, Akiem Hicks and Roquan Smith are national stars. Kyle Fuller led the league in interceptions last season. 2019 though is time for Leonard Floyd to spread his wings and become the player Ryan Pace saw him becoming when he drafted him in 2016.

The Chicago Bears picked up Floyd’s fifth-year option and locked him up through the 2020 season. Floyd’s performance in 2019 could dictate if he sticks around and receives a long-term deal. With other players needing new contracts, it will be interesting to see who sticks around past the 2020 season.

Even though I expect Floyd to thrive in 2019, he will not be asked to make all the big plays for this defense. He is still not the main guy or even the second guy the Bears defense counts on. What was exciting though was seeing him play a full 16-game schedule. He suffered from concussions his first season and ligament damage to his knee his second.

Things changed in 2018 though. Floyd suffered a hand injury going into the regular season. He started the year with a cast on his hand, but at least he played in all 16 games. Watching him play from start to finish has me excited for what he brings to the table this year. He has the speed and ability to get to the quarterback on nearly every down. With Chuck Pagano’s aggressive playcalling, Floyd could be in for a career sack season.