Eagles' swift Bryce Huff exit raises lingering questions on true cost

Edge rusher Bryce Huff arrived in Philadelphia last offseason like a much-hyped summer blockbuster. Big contract, big expectations. Think John Wayne riding into town, ready to tame the frontier. Eagles fans envisioned a relentless pass rush duo terrorizing quarterbacks. Yet, somehow, the plot thickened, the screen went dark, and the credits rolled far too soon. What happened to the leading man?

The curtain call came abruptly. On Monday, the Eagles finalized a trade to send Huff to the San Francisco 49ers. In return, Philly receives a conditional 2026 draft pick – a fifth-round pick that could become a fourth-round pick.

Just like that, the high-priced edge rusher acquired less than a year ago is gone. It feels like buying a classic muscle car only to discover it sputters and needs a new engine. Consequently, the Eagles eat over $9 million in dead money. Was this a savvy escape or a costly misstep?

Huff's Philly tenure was undeniably underwhelming. After signing a hefty three-year, $51.1 million deal, he managed just 2.5 sacks in 2024. Remember his electric 10-sack season with the Jets? That player seemed like a distant memory.

His pass-rush win rate, while still above average, dropped to a career-low 19%. Worse still, he became a spectator for their Super Bowl LIX victory. The fit wasn't right. As Eagles DC Vic Fangio noted, "That really affected him... he lost all that." Huff's hand injury crippled his effectiveness.

Huff's Philadelphia Departure: What Now?

So, the Eagles cut bait. They moved Huff for minimal draft capital. Why the urgency?

Philadelphia clearly believes in their other options. Nolan Smith Jr. flashed potential late last season. New additions Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche bring experience. Rookie Jalyx Hunt earned trust down the stretch.

Fangio expressed confidence, stating, "I feel good about Nolan... I think we’ll feel good about Jalyx... I think we’ll be fine." Essentially, they bet Huff's snaps are better used developing their youth.