The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade pass rusher Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a mid-round draft pick, according to ESPN. This transaction, expected to be finalized after June 1, involves Huff restructuring his contract to facilitate the move and reunites him with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who coached him with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2023.

Huff, 27, impressed by recording a career-high 10 sacks during the 2023 season despite not starting any games. After spending just one season with the Eagles and contending with injuries, Huff is now set to join a retooled 49ers defense that still features key players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. This move marks a significant shift for both teams, raising questions about which side will benefit more from the trade.

Philadelphia Eagles’ Perspective: Cutting Losses While Gaining a Draft Pick

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, recognized as one of the best in the NFL, took a risk signing Huff to a substantial three-year, $51.1 million contract last offseason. However, the gamble did not yield the expected results. During the 2024 season, Huff managed only 2.5 sacks and 13 tackles while earning $17.25 million, a performance below expectations for such a high salary.

Due to Huff’s injury that sidelined him for five games and his absence in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia decided to offload him rather than continue investing in a player whose production fell short. Even though the Eagles will absorb a $9.05 million salary charge, the 49ers have agreed to cover the remaining $7.95 million guaranteed for Huff’s upcoming season.

Though paying a player over $9 million without having him on their roster might seem disadvantageous, the Eagles gain a mid-round pick in return, which can be valuable for future roster building. The trade reflects a strategic choice to prioritize long-term roster flexibility over holding on to a player who didn’t meet expectations. Additionally, Philadelphia’s ability to secure the Super Bowl title last season demonstrates that while Huff’s signing missed the mark, it did not derail their championship aspirations.

How the 49ers View the Bryce Huff Addition

San Francisco sees the acquisition of Bryce Huff as an opportunity to strengthen their defensive front, especially given defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s prior experience coaching Huff at the Jets. Saleh’s knowledge of Huff’s capabilities and tendencies is expected to ease the player’s transition and maximize his impact in the new defensive scheme.

The 49ers defense is undergoing considerable changes, with up to four new starters expected in 2025. Despite these shifts, the presence of prominent defenders like pass rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner—who recently secured a record-setting three-year contract as the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history—provides a strong foundation for the unit.

While the 49ers are surrendering a mid-round draft pick and taking on a significant portion of Huff’s salary, they appear confident the reward outweighs the risk. Huff’s breakout season in 2023, highlighted by the highest pass-rush rate in the NFL at 21.8% according to Next Gen Stats, underscores his potential. The 49ers are betting that under Saleh’s guidance and in a new environment, Huff can exceed his previous performance with Philadelphia.

Assessing the Trade: Winners and Risks for Both Teams

This trade evokes Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s well-known saying:

“one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

—Mike Tomlin, Steelers Coach

For the Eagles, the move is a pragmatic decision to cut losses and recoup value through the draft, even if it means absorbing millions of dollars in salary. For the 49ers, it represents a calculated gamble on a young player with proven pass-rushing ability who has yet to reach his full potential. The familiarity between Saleh and Huff could catalyze a resurgence for the pass rusher, strengthening the 49ers’ defensive prospects going into 2025 and beyond.

As both teams head into the offseason, the final impact of this trade will be closely watched. The Eagles will focus on maximizing their draft assets and continuing their recent success, while the 49ers will aim to integrate Huff into their evolving defense, hoping to transform this risk into a valuable upgrade.