Bryce Huff’s highly anticipated tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles proved to be a short and disappointing one, and the pass rusher has now shed light on why his time in the City of Brotherly Love never quite clicked. Signed to a significant three-year, $51.1 million deal after a breakout 2023 season with the New York Jets, Huff’s stint in Philadelphia was cut short when he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in a post-June 1 deal.
Huff’s recent comments reveal a sense of early disillusionment and a decision to prioritize his own career trajectory, stating, “I got to look out for myself and do what I think is best.”
A Mismatch from the Start:
Huff revealed on “The SFNiners” podcast that he recognized the misalignment almost immediately, even as early as training camp. “If I’m being 100% honest with you, I wanted a trade like fairly early on. And just ’cause of how things went in Philly, I knew pretty early on it wasn’t a fit,” he stated.
He further elaborated, “There’s a plethora of things that went down. I don’t wanna get into specifics. Being in the league for five years, I kinda knew what it felt like to be in a good situation. I kind of knew where it was headed fairly early on into the season, probably even training camp if I’m being honest.”
Scheme Fit and Role Expectations
A primary factor contributing to Huff’s struggles appears to be the defensive scheme under Vic Fangio. Huff thrived as a pure pass rusher with his hand in the dirt during his most productive years with the Jets, particularly under then-Jets defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. However, Fangio’s system in Philadelphia often required edge rushers to do more than just attack the passer, including dropping into coverage and setting the edge against the run – roles that didn’t optimally highlight Huff’s strengths.
Despite signing a big contract, Huff’s impact was minimal. He managed just 2.5 sacks and 13 tackles in 12 games for the Eagles, a stark contrast to his 10-sack season in 2023 with the Jets. He also missed five games due to a torn ligament in his wrist and was notably a healthy scratch for the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory.
Prioritizing a “Fruitful Career”
Huff’s decision to seek a move stemmed from a desire to put himself in the “best position to ball out and have a fruitful career.” He understood that a trade during the season would be unlikely given the magnitude of his contract, but he had already conveyed his intentions to his agent.
The trade to the San Francisco 49ers reunites Huff with Robert Saleh, now the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, offering him a fresh start in a familiar scheme where he previously excelled. This move, according to Huff, is a chance to “rejuvenate his career after a disastrous season with the Eagles” and return to the form that made him a sought-after free agent.
