Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Former Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd has become the San Francisco 49ers' most significant free-agent acquisition thus far this offseason. While the 31-year-old pass rusher had multiple suitors, the Bay Area team emerged as the most aggressive in its pursuit.
On Monday, Floyd spoke to reporters for the first time since the agreement with the 49ers was revealed. During the conversation, he elaborated on why the decision to head to Santa Clara was easy.
"Yeah, I got a call from my agent—I had quite a few offers," Floyd said. "But what it was, the 49ers didn't bullsh--t around. They was out the gate, came in with a great deal. It was a solid, solid deal for me. And there really wasn't no second-guessing it. They showed that they wanted me from the jump. So once I saw that, I'm like, 'Shoot, I want you all too. So, I'm on the way.' That's pretty much how it went."
The fact that the 49ers are coming off a Super Bowl appearance didn't hurt. Floyd emphasized that joining a winning team was a priority in his search for a new NFL home.
"What led me to them was, from the outside looking in, I knew this was a team that was ready for a Super Bowl run," Floyd stated. "I ain't want to go to a team and not be in a position to not be able to play in the playoffs or win a championship. So I came here with aspirations of coming in, helping the defense out to win games, and getting back to the big game."
Additionally, Floyd has long admired the 49ers' offense, which he describes as a "physical bunch." He is eager to practice against the group daily, believing it will allow him to refine his skills and elevate his game. The 49ers are hoping the defensive end can bolster a pass rush that was inconsistent in 2023.
The Chicago Bears drafted Floyd (6-6, 240) out of Georgia with the No. 9 overall pick in 2016. In his eight NFL seasons, he has racked up 370 tackles, including 63 for a loss, 122 quarterback hits, 58 sacks, two safeties, 14 passes defensed, two interceptions, a touchdown, and four forced fumbles in 121 game appearances (120 starts).
Insider reveals the best offers the 49ers received for Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
15 hrs
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft has concluded, and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains on the San Francisco 49ers roster, as many anticipated. However, both general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan were receptive to listening to offers from other teams, and indeed, teams made inquiries.
Ultimately, the offers weren't enticing enough to persuade the 49ers to part ways with Aiyuk, who served as the team's top receiver last season. However, Matt Barrows of The Athletic provided some insight into the compensation other teams discussed in preliminary talks with the 49ers.
"The team took several phone calls for Aiyuk in the run-up
Silver: New 49ers intel reveals potential Brandon Aiyuk trade still in play
By David Bonilla
Apr 23
When asked about the possibility of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk not being on the San Francisco 49ers roster on Friday morning, general manager John Lynch responded, "I wouldn't anticipate that."
Lynch assured reporters that signing Aiyuk to a long-term extension is a priority, stating, "And our wish is that he's here and a part of the Niners for the rest of his career. We're working through that."
While Lynch didn't elaborate on the conversations occurring behind closed doors, Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that a potential trade remains a
Why one analyst is worried for Brock Purdy if 49ers trade Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 18
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy achieved a remarkable feat in 2023, setting a single-season franchise record with 4,280 passing yards. This accomplishment is noteworthy, considering the illustrious quarterbacks who have graced the organization's history.
A significant portion of those yards came from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who amassed a career-high and team-leading 1,342 receiving yards. Most of his 75 catches originated from passes thrown by Purdy.
Amidst significant offseason chatter surrounding the 49ers' star receiver, including several unsubstantiated trade rumors, Aiyuk's future remains uncertain. Former NFL player James Jones, now an analyst, expressed concern for Purdy should Aiyuk's tenure in the Bay Area come to an end.
"I
5 reasons why 49ers QB Brock Purdy will be better in 2024
By Marc Adams
Apr 20
The San Francisco 49ers appear to have found their quarterback. It was a bumpy road on the journey to locate him, too. There was the up-and-down tenure of Jimmy Garoppolo, whose relationship with Head Coach Kyle Shanahan seemed dysfunctional, at times. Then there was the short-lived Trey Lance experiment.
Garoppolo and Lance are no longer being with the team, and one major reason is the emergence of Brock Purdy as the team's QB. Purdy finished his second season with a trip to the Super Bowl, after having a Pro Bowl season in which he finished with 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also led the league in multiple statistics, including passer rating (113.0) and QBR (72.8). Additionally, Purdy finished fourth in NFL MVP voting.
But a year ago, no one knew what to
