Breaking news: 49ers Trade Proposal reunites $51 Million Pass Rusher With the Philadelphia Eagles.
With 11 selections in the 2017 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to add a pass rusher, if not more.
However, what if they traded a pass rusher who had the finest season of his career to the Philadelphia Eagles in return for a pick or two?
The only returning starter on San Francisco’s defensive line at the moment is Nick Bosa. How about Bryce Huff on the opposite side?
Huff, who turns 27 on April 17, is starting his second year of a three-year, $51.1 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, his first year wasn’t quite easy, and there were speculations that the Eagles may sell him. Now that San Francisco’s defense is led by his former coach in Saleh, may Huff find a new beginning in the Bay Area?
Let’s talk.
Bryce Huff is sent to San Francisco via Heavy Sports’ 49ers trade proposal.
First and foremost, a trade would bring Huff and Saleh back together, which is intriguing given that Huff had a breakout season with the New York Jets in 2023, earning a career-high 10 sacks, under Saleh. Saleh has praised Huff in the past, likening his pass-rushing skills to those of baseball great Mariano Rivera.
“Bryce is a pass rusher of the highest caliber. In March 2024, Saleh stated of Huff, “He closes games,” according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. Mariano Rivera only closed the ninth inning, despite what others claim he does, which is to hurry the passer. He will be beneficial to Philadelphia since he is a very excellent pass rusher.
Given Saleh’s affection for him and Huff’s ability, a contract with lots of incentives may work. We like this trade proposal:
The 49ers of San Francisco would get: DE Huff, Bryce
In addition to a 2025 fourth-round draft selection, the Philadelphia Eagles would also receive a conditional 2026 fourth-round pick, which would increase to a third-round pick if Huff achieves 10 or more sacks in 2025.
Huff is hoping to bounce back after a difficult year in 2024.
In 2020, Huff joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent to enter the NFL. He participated in 54 games over his four seasons with the Jets, recording 17.5 sacks, 65 tackles, and 43 quarterback hits. Under Saleh’s direction, Huff had career highs in 2023 for sacks, tackles for loss (10), and quarterback hits (21).
Nevertheless, his first year with Philadelphia wasn’t quite pleasant.
Huff concluded the 2024 season with 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 12 games, however he missed some of the season due to a wrist ailment. Despite missing the game because of his injuries, Huff was a member of the Eagles’ Super Bowl 59 winning squad.
Huff is a desirable option for the Niners because of his experience with Saleh’s system and his shown pass-rushing ability, even in spite of a decline in output. Some coaches just seem to click with some players more than others. Saleh may be Tom Landry from Huff.
The Niners’ depth at edge rusher now raises questions. Drake Jackson and other players have battled with consistency and injuries, and despite Yetur Gross-Matos’ talent, he has been inconsistent.