The New York Jets are not going to use their franchise tag on defensive end Bryce Huff, but they still want him to be back with the team amid the looming NFL free agency. The NFL free agency period is coming in two weeks, and it’s been reported that the Jets want to come up and finalize an extension offer for Huff before the start of free agency.
Via Rich Cimini of ESPN:
While Wilson’s days with the team appear numbered, the Jets are trying to re-sign highly regarded pass-rusher Bryce Huff before he becomes a free agent, but they won’t use the franchise tag, Douglas said.
Huff was among the bright spots on the New York Jets in the 2023 NFL season, even leading the team in sacks in that campaign. Even if the Jets fail to sign Huff before the trade deadline, they can still be expected to go after him, considering how good he played last season. According to Spotrac, Huff, who got a 79.7 Pro Football Focus overall grade for his work in 2023, has a projected market value of nearly $39 million over the course of four years.
The New York Jets Are Going To Talk With Bryce Huff’s Camp At 2024 NFL Combine
Perhaps a deal will happen once Huff’s agent and the Jets speak with each other in Indianapolis.
As for Huff, who led the Jets with 10 sacks, the team expects to meet with his agent at the combine. They’ve already held discussions about a new contract, and Douglas said he expects to have productive conversations in the coming days. Not utilizing the franchise tag isn’t a surprise because the amount for a defensive end is a steep $21.3 million.
The 25-year-old Huff was signed by the Jets back in 2020 as an undrafted free agent after playing college football with the Memphis Tigers from 2016 to 2019.