The Philadelphia Eagles made a splash during the 2024 offseason, signing a situational pass rusher, Bryce Huff, to a three-year, $51.1 million contract. He had a rough 2024 campaign, losing the starting job to Nolan Smith, missing Weeks 12-16 with a torn ligament in his left wrist, and upon returning, had a minimal role on defense throughout the rest of the season, including a healthy scratch in the Super Bowl. Huff ended with 13 tackles, three TFLs, four QB hits, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 14 total games and six starts.
The Eagles were actively trying to shop him, but because of his contract, they couldn’t trade him until after June 1.
The Philadelphia Eagles will trade him soon
As reported by Adam Schefter on Friday, the Philadelphia Eagles are working to trade Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers for a mid-round pick, with the deal set to be finalized after June 1 for cap purposes. The Eagles then declined his $15.58 million option bonus and converted $9.05 million of his base salary into a signing bonus. This allows the 49ers to take on $7.95 million of his contract in 2025.
ESPN sources: 49ers and Eagles are working to finalize a trade that will send edge rusher Bryce Huff to San Francisco for a mid-round pick. The trade cannot and would not be processed until after June 1. But both sides are working to make it happen, and Huff already has reworked… pic.twitter.com/FJeGc9Cfwx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 30, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles legend explained why he struggled in 2024
During Friday’s interview on the Ross Tucker Podcast, Brandon Graham detailed why Bryce Huff struggled in 2024. Graham explained that Huff had difficulty adjusting from the 4-3 Wide Nine scheme during his time with the New York Jets to the 3-4 outside linebacker scheme.
“Well, I just think with the Jets it was just that defense, man. I know what it’s like playing in that 4-3 Wide Nine, go get it…”
“And then you see him get into another system, it’s different…”@brandongraham55 discusses Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff’s struggles last season: pic.twitter.com/m6k09eZBzV
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) May 30, 2025
The difference between the two schemes
In a 4-3 Wide Nine scheme, Bryce Huff played with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end, often lining up as a nine-technique way outside the tight end or offensive tackle. This alignment gave him extra space to use his speed and bend to get around blockers and pressure the quarterback.
In a 3-4 scheme, Huff stood up as an outside linebacker, typically lining up as a seven-technique and was closer to the offensive tackle. In this role, he was expected to rush the passer, set the edge against the run, and occasionally drop into coverage. Since he is not the strongest in coverage and run defense, and didn’t have the space he was used to, he often struggled to find his footing with the Eagles.
