3 49ers On Thin Ice With Robert Saleh as Defensive Coordinator

2. Leonard Floyd, DE

The 49ers looked to add some experience to their defense when they signed Leonard Floyd to a two-year contract last offseason. The veteran pass rusher had previously played under assistant coach Brandon Staley during the duo's time with the L.A. Rams, making him someone the staff thought it could trust.

No matter how good they are, players tend to slow down in their 30s and that was the case for Floyd this season. Although the former Georgia product still recorded 25 solo tackles and 8.5 sacks, he left much to be desired as he played to defense and pass rushing grades of 53.5 (102nd) and 53.9 (100th), respectively, which ranked among the worst exterior defenders.

Now that Floyd will be 33 in September, the 49ers might be debating whether to keep him around or not. Although some fans might be sad to see him go, waiving or trading the declining defender after June 1 would see the 49ers saving $7.95 million, which can be used to address multiple roster needs.

The New York Jets had the 11th-best pass-rushing unit in 2023, so it's safe to say that Saleh knows who's a valuable edge rusher and who isn't. Unless the 49ers' new DC sees something in Floyd that nobody else does, don't be surprised if the latter is with a new team come the fall.