The NFL offseason just got more dramatic. After a wave of trades, retirements, and coaching shuffles, the San Francisco 49ers have pulled off a notable deal—snagging Super Bowl-winning defensive end Bryce Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Eagles Say Goodbye to a Super Bowl Star
Just months after helping the Eagles hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February, Huff is packing his bags for California.
The move comes as part of a trade agreement between the Eagles and the 49ers, with San Francisco giving up a 2026 mid-round draft pick in exchange.
The trade is still pending a physical, but all signs point to a done deal.
It’s a surprising twist considering Huff had just signed a $51 million contract with Philadelphia last year.
But in the ever-shifting world of NFL rosters and cap space, money doesn’t always mean long-term security.
Huff Restructures Deal to Reunite With His Old Coach
Turns out Huff made the move easier by reworking his $51 million contract, a clear sign he wanted this new chapter.
And it’s not just about the team—it’s about who’s there.
He’ll now be reunited with Robert Saleh, who coached Huff during his time with the New York Jets from 2020 to 2023.
Saleh, who was recently let go by the Jets, is now the defensive coordinator for the 49ers.
Their history could be key: Huff had his best season under Saleh, racking up 10 sacks and earning the best pressure rate in the entire NFL back in 2023.
San Francisco Becoming a Safe Haven for Ex-Jets
Huff’s not the only one rejoining his old coach. Chazz Surratt and Thomas Morstead, two other former Jets players, have also landed in San Francisco this offseason.
It’s starting to look like the 49ers are building a familiar unit around Saleh, stacking their defense with players who already know his playbook and expectations.
Huff Brings Firepower Opposite Bosa
So what does Huff bring to the 49ers’ front line? At just 27 years old, he’s still in his prime and is likely to line up opposite Nick Bosa, one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces.
That pairing alone could give offensive lines nightmares.
While the 49ers did invest in a younger edge rusher—Mykel Williams, a 20-year-old first-round draft pick out of Georgia—Huff brings immediate impact and veteran experience.
He’s the kind of player who can help anchor the line while the rookie develops.
Injury Setback Didn’t Slow His Value
Huff missed some time last season with the Eagles after he injured his left wrist during warmups before a game against the Jaguars in November.
That led to surgery and a stint on injured reserve, limiting him to 12 games (six starts) for the year.
Still, he managed to record 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble—a solid output considering the injury.
Over his career, Huff has notched 78 tackles, 20 sacks, and two forced fumbles across 66 games played.
A Fresh Start in the Bay for the Alabama Native
Originally from Alabama and a former standout at the University of Memphis, Huff now takes on a new challenge in one of the most competitive divisions in football.
With a stronger supporting cast and familiar faces in the coaching staff, he could be poised for another breakout season.
What’s next?
Huff will need to clear his physical before the trade is finalized, but assuming all goes well, he’ll be suiting up in red and gold this fall.
The 49ers are clearly betting big on familiar chemistry—and if Huff plays like he did under Saleh in 2023, this might be one of the offseason’s most underrated moves.
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