3 Za’Darius Smith replacements for the Vikings revamped defense

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 15: Justin Houston #50 of the Baltimore Ravens sacks Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Paycor Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27: Leonard Floyd #54 of the Los Angeles Rams gets set against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

2. Leonard Floyd

He was one of many veterans either cut loose, traded, or not re-signed by the Los Angeles Rams over the last few months. Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams went from Super Bowl champions in 2021 to third place and a 5-12 record this past season.

Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd racked up some impressive numbers during his three-year stay with McVay’s team. In fact, his three biggest seasons in terms of sacks during his seven-year career in the National Football League came with the Rams.

Floyd began his career with the Chicago Bears in 2016. The University of Florida product was the ninth-overall pick that year. In four seasons with the club, he amassed only 18.5 sacks (plus 1 in a 2018 playoff loss to the Eagles) and never amassed more than seven QB traps in any of the campaigns.

It was off to Los Angeles in 2020 and during his stay with the Rams, he played and started every game with the club. In 50 regular-season outings, there were 29.0 sacks. In a total of six postseason contests, Floyd added four more sacks. He could push newcomer Marcus Davenport for starting duty and certainly wouldthrive opposite standout pass-rusher, Danielle Hunter.

Home/Minnesota Vikings