Buffalo Bills defensive star tells team to pay up this offseason or bye

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills’ top pass rusher in

 is not hiding the fact that he is just fine taking his talents elsewhere in the offseason if the team is unwilling to meet his asking price in NFL free agency.

 

Over the last four seasons, edge rusher Leonard Floyd has quietly become one of the league’s most reliable players at putting pressure on quarterbacks. Since 2020, the 31-year-old has posted 39.5 sacks and twice tallied 10.5 sack seasons, including in 2023.

Related: Bill Belichick headed to Buffalo Bills? Former NFL coach says he ‘would not be shocked’ if it happens soon

 

NFL Coaching Interviews Heat Up | Dallas Robinson Interview

00:00

/

15:50

Unsurprisingly, he will be looking to cash in during the offseason after leading a Buffalo Bills team that reached the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs in sacks. The Bills are sure to have conversations with Floyd in an attempt to lock him up to a contract for at least next season. However, don’t look for the defensive star to take a deal anywhere below what his agent feels he deserves in the open market.

Buffalo Bills pass rusher Leonard Floyd looking for the most money possible in 2024 NFL fre

e agency

For me, I’m always going where the money goes. I’d rather be here, but it is what it is. It’s a business. I’m gonna go wherever my agent feels like we get the most money from,” Floyd said while cleaning out his locker at the team’s facility earlier this week.

Related: Why the Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl window might be closing

With the Buffalo Bills being $50 million above the salary cap heading into the offseason, the outlook isn’t good for Floyd to be re-signed. Even when they make the necessary moves to get under the cap, so they can improve the roster, Floyd will probably fetch an offer the Bills can’t match by a pass-rush-needy team.

Leonard Floyd stats (2023): 10.5 sacks, 32 tackles, 11 QB hits, 1 forced fumble
Floyd was selected ninth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played four seasons in Chi-Town before playing his next three with the Los Angeles Rams, including on their 2021 championship team. Floyd signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Bills earlier this year.