The trade of edge rusher Bryce Huff between the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers is one of the notable moves of the 2025 NFL offseason. The 49ers acquired Huff from the Eagles in exchange for a 2026 mid-round draft pick, with the deal finalized recently as teams prepare for the new season. This trade is a crucial part of the Bryce Huff 2025 NFL offseason trade analysis, highlighting each team’s strategy to strengthen and balance their rosters ahead of Week 1.

Details and Grading of the Bryce Huff Exchange

The San Francisco 49ers received edge rusher Bryce Huff, while the Philadelphia Eagles gained a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both teams earned a grade of B+ for the trade, illustrating that the deal carries fair value for each side based on their respective needs and outlooks.

The 49ers are essentially betting that Huff’s disappointing 2024 season was an anomaly and that he can return to the higher level of play he demonstrated earlier in his career. Huff signed a three-year contract worth $51.1 million with the Eagles after showing promise with the New York Jets, where he had a 26% pass rush win rate from 2020 to 2022, a figure that placed him among the top ten edge rushers during that timeframe.

Increased playing time led to 10 sacks in 2023 before Huff entered free agency. Despite this, his 2024 season performance with Philadelphia was underwhelming, marked by a drop in win rate to 19%, fewer sacks (2.5), and ultimately wrist surgery that sidelined him during the latter half of the season. His inactivity for the Super Bowl reflected Philadelphia’s lack of confidence in his contribution, prompting the Eagles to move on.

San Francisco’s Pass-Rush Strategy Behind Acquiring Huff

The 49ers have been searching for additional pass-rushing talent to support star defensive end Nick Bosa. While they have invested a high draft pick in Mykel Williams, bringing Huff in provides another option in this area. Despite Huff’s recent struggles, his historical pass-rush metrics remain encouraging. His ability to cross the line of scrimmage quickly, known as “get-off,” has shown variability—from a swift 0.67 seconds in 2022 to a slower 0.79 in 2024—yet still ranks better than average for his position.

San Francisco might find value in employing Huff more situationally for pass-rushing downs while relying on Williams for run defense, a role that could better suit Huff’s skill set. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who previously coached Huff during their time with the Jets, may be uniquely positioned to help unlock Huff’s potential again.

Additionally, the financial terms benefit the 49ers, as Huff restructured his contract prior to the trade, reducing his 2025 cap hit to just under $8 million. This pay cut, combined with only a Day 3 draft pick exchanged, makes the risk comparatively low for a franchise still aiming for Super Bowl contention.

Philadelphia’s Perspective and Future Options

The Eagles’ decision to trade Huff reflects their assessment that he is not a reliable option going forward. Philadelphia has several alternatives to pair with Nolan Smith Jr. at the edge position, including veterans like Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche as well as younger players such as Jalyx Hunt. While the Eagles did not receive a high-value asset in return, obtaining a draft pick and saving salary space is a positive outcome given their doubts about Huff’s readiness for consistent game-day impact.

Implications of the Trade for Both Teams Moving Forward

This trade highlights how teams use offseason roster maneuvers to fine-tune their lineups without overspending or overcommitting. For the 49ers, the acquisition of Bryce Huff provides another pass-rush weapon whose effectiveness will be closely watched, especially with the potential guidance of Robert Saleh. Success with Huff could alleviate pressure on their younger pass rushers and add depth to a defense aiming deep into the playoffs.

For the Eagles, this move clears the way to develop other players at the edge rusher position and gain additional draft capital. The savings on Huff’s contract offer flexibility as the team prepares for future roster moves and contract negotiations. Both franchises show how calculating trades can serve short-term needs while building toward long-term goals in a competitive NFC landscape.