Interestingly, the San Francisco 49ers have made the surprising decision to part ways with several players ahead of the new NFL season. Recently, a former Super Bowl champion was added to that growing list, meaning Kyle Shanahanâs team will need to significantly reinforce its roster to meet the challenges ahead.
Super Bowl LVI champion Leonard Floyd, who won the title with the Los Angeles Rams, has been released by the Bay Area franchise. As a result, he will now need to find a new destination for the upcoming season. In March 2024, Floyd signed a two-year contract, but he will not continue with the 49ers.
The news was reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who shared the San Francisco 49ersâ decision to part ways with the DE via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
âMore moves in SF: 49ers are releasing Leonard Floyd, per source,â the insider stated via @AdamSchefter.
Leonard Floyd #56 and Talanoa Hufanga #29 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after Floyd sacked Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Leviâs Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
Floyd began his NFL journey after being selected in the first round of the 2016 Draft with the 9th overall pick, coming from the Georgia Bulldogs. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears, where he spent three years, before moving on to play for the Rams, Bills, and finally the 49ers.
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The loss of a Super Bowl champion
February 13, 2022, will be a day Leonard Floyd will never forget in his career. That night in Inglewood, the defensive end reached the pinnacle of success, becoming a Super Bowl champion for the first time in his career.
At that time, the former Bulldogs player was part of the Rams, a team coached by Sean McVay. In a SoFi Stadium packed with fans, the Los Angeles team defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, 23-20, clinching the NFL championship.
A roster that is being dismantled
The last few weeks have been quite eventful for the 49ers, with the departure of several key players. It will be interesting to see how they reinforce each of the vacant positions left behind.
One of the most notable moves was the trade involving Deebo Samuel, who is now a member of the Washington Commanders. Additionally, four other players have been cut: Kyle Juszczyk, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and the aforementioned Floyd.
Finally, seven players have found new destinations during this free agency: Josh Dobbs, Elijah Mitchell, Jaylon Moore, Aaron Banks, Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward and Dre Greenlaw.
Is Joey Bosa nearing a move to the 49ers?
A few days ago, it was revealed that one of the leagueâs top defensive players, Joey Bosa, would no longer be part of the Chargersâ roster. Regarding this situation, the player has reportedly chosen a new team ahead of the next season.
According to some reports, the edge rusher is seriously interested in playing alongside his brother Nick in San Francisco: âMeanwhile, Iâve heard Joey Bosa and 49ers are having good conversations and this feels like itâs headed toward a deal. Nothing is done, but the Bosa brothers want to be together and probably will get there this year. Which likely means this will be a moderate deal + incentives,â Kawakami reported via @timkawakami.
