Bears Release First-Round Bust Leonard Floyd to Give Robert Quinn Massive Contract in Free Agency
By Michael Luciano
The Chicago Bears have one of the best defenses in the entire NFL, but that didn't stop them from adding a game-changing pass rusher to an already stout line.
On Tuesday, the Bears agreed to a five-year, $70 million contract with former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Robert Quinn.
The #Bears are signing pass-rusher Robert Quinn to a 5-year, $70 million contract with $30 million fully guaranteed, agent Sean Kiernan from @SelectSports tells me and @TomPelissero. A new home for the former #Cowboys star after a huge year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Quinn, a former All-Pro and Pro Bowler with the Rams, was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2018, but lasted just one year there before Dallas traded for him last season. In just 14 games, Quinn recorded 11.5 sacks, throughly outplaying DeMarcus Lawrence on the other side of the Cowboys' defensive line.
To make room for Quinn's new contract, the Bears released Leonard Floyd, whom they picked ninth overall in the 2016 NFL draft.
Bears are releasing former first-round draft pick Leonard Floyd, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
Floyd's sack numbers have been going down with each passing season. After recording 7.0 sacks in his rookie campaign, Floyd followed that up with seasons of 4.5, 4.0, and 3.0 sacks over the next three years. He's clearly worn out his welcome in Chicago, but he could be a nice candidate to rebound elsewhere in 2020 -- and was once a top Giants target, before Chicago leapfrogged them for his services.
With Quinn on one side of the defensive line and Khalil Mack on the other, NFC North quarterbacks will be in for some long afternoons when they play Chicago next season.