Bryce Huff Trade Buzz: Eagles DE Expected to Be Moved This Offseason

By Jason Bolton June 07, 2025 10:30

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially moved on from defensive end Bryce Huff, trading the 27-year-old pass rusher to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a conditional mid-round draft pick in 2026. This move, finalized in early June 2025, marks the end of Huff’s short and underwhelming tenure in Philadelphia and signals a fresh start for both the player and the Eagles’ defensive front.

The Trade Details and Financials

The deal sends Huff to the 49ers for a conditional fifth-round pick that can escalate to a fourth-rounder based on his performance with San Francisco. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, the conditions tied to the pick hinge on Huff’s on-field production, with the Eagles hoping to maximize the return on a player who struggled to meet expectations last season.

Financially, the trade was complicated by Huff’s hefty contract. He was set to earn $17 million guaranteed in 2025 under a three-year, $51 million deal signed last offseason. To facilitate the trade, Huff restructured his contract, allowing the Eagles to cover $9.05 million of his salary while the 49ers absorb the remaining $7.95 million. This split eased the salary cap burden for Philadelphia and made the deal more palatable for San Francisco.

Huff’s Performance and Role in Philadelphia

Huff arrived in Philadelphia following a breakout 2023 season with the New York Jets, where he recorded 10 sacks and 29 tackles under head coach Robert Saleh. However, his 2024 campaign with the Eagles was marred by injuries and diminished production. He played in 12 games, starting six, but managed only 2.5 sacks, 13 tackles, and five tackles for loss. A wrist injury required surgery and sidelined him for several weeks, limiting his impact. Notably, Huff did not play in Super Bowl LIX, which the Eagles won, further underscoring his peripheral role on the team.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Huff earlier this year, stating, “The story’s yet to be written on Bryce,” but ultimately the team decided he did not fit into their 2025 defensive plans. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio successfully led the league’s top-ranked defense last season without Huff, making the edge rusher expendable.

Reunion with Robert Saleh and 49ers’ Edge Rush Needs

For Huff, the trade represents a reunion with Robert Saleh, who is now the defensive coordinator for the 49ers. Saleh coached Huff during his most productive years with the Jets, and the 49ers hope that familiarity and scheme fit will help Huff regain his form.

San Francisco, coming off a disappointing 6-11 season, has a clear need for pass rushers after releasing Leonard Floyd and losing Drake Jackson to injury. Huff will join a talented edge group featuring five-time Pro Bowler Nick Bosa and promising rookie Mykel Williams. The 49ers view Huff as a valuable addition to bolster their pass rush and bring veteran experience to a rebuilding defense.

What This Means for the Eagles

The Eagles’ acquisition of a conditional mid-round pick adds to their growing draft capital, projected to include 13 selections in 2026. While the pick is modest, it helps Philadelphia mitigate the financial and roster impact of a contract that did not deliver the expected return.

Though the Eagles will absorb $9.05 million in salary cap charges, moving Huff allows them to focus on building a defense aligned with Fangio’s vision. The trade also signals a willingness to cut losses on free-agent signings that do not pan out, a prudent move for a team aiming to remain competitive in a tough NFC East.

Bryce Huff’s trade to the San Francisco 49ers closes a brief chapter in Philadelphia but opens a new opportunity for the defensive end to revive his career under a familiar coach. For the Eagles, the deal represents a strategic pivot toward roster flexibility and draft capital accumulation. As the 49ers look to improve their pass rush, Huff’s performance this season will determine whether the conditional draft pick turns into a valuable asset for Philadelphia. This trade exemplifies the high-stakes roster management NFL teams must navigate in pursuit of sustained success.