Bryce Huff, Philadelphia Eagles Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

This Eagles youngster needs to step up as Bryce Huff is finally traded away

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated May 30, 2025 2:24 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles fans can breath a sigh of relief as edge rusher Bryce Huff is off the roster, but now the question on who will take over his spot.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the Eagles are finalizing a deal with the San Francisco 49ers to send Huff there in exchange for a mid-round pick being sent to Philadelphia. This is on the heels of an offseason full of speculation on whether the Eagles would release or trade Huff after his disappointing 2024 campaign.

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

Last year, Huff signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Eagles that resulted in a nightmare year for both sides. In 12 games, Huff racked up just 13 tackles, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He missed time due to an injury and didn't record any stats in the Eagles' postseason run to the Super Bowl. He also was a no-show at OTAs earlier in the week, which sparked more questions about his status with the team.

Now that Huff is off the payroll, the next question for Eagles defensive coordiantor Vic Fangio on who he will have step into the starting lineup. One young edge rusher who played well late in the season would fit that role.

Eagles' second year player ready to take over for Huff

The Eagles are going to be looking at Jalyx Hunt
to step up in Huff's place and be a starter. Philadelphia selected Hunt in the third round of last year's NFL Draft and did not see much time on the field at the beginning of the year, but he showed potential.

In 16 games, Hunt made 21 tackles, three quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and one tackle for loss. It was Hunt's play in the postseason that caught everyone's attention as he made 10 tackles, three quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and one tackle for loss in four games.

Hunt is not guaranteed the starting job as he will have to compete with Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche for the other starting edge rusher position. Nolan Smith Jr. will be one of them after his stellar breakout season last year.

Ojulari has shown flashes of greatness with the New York Giants over the last four years, but has missed 22 games in the previous three years. Durability is a concern for Ojulari as he needs to stay on the field, which is why the Eagles signed him to a one-year deal in the offseason.

Hunt is going to have the edge to start since he is more familiar with Fangio's defense, but his time to shine has arrived. The Eagles hope the 24-year-old to be ready to go in 2025.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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