The Philadelphia Eagles made a bold move in March 2024 by signing edge rusher Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51.1 million free-agent contract, with $34 million guaranteed. This decision was based on Huff’s breakout 2023 season with the New York Jets, during which he recorded 10 sacks. The team hoped to capitalize on his potential, believing they were securing a rising star in the league. However, hindsight reveals that the Eagles may have overlooked key red flags before committing to such a lucrative deal.
Huff’s standout 2023 season came despite not being a full-time starter and playing in less than half of the Jets’ defensive snaps. Additionally, his previous three seasons yielded a modest 7.5 sacks combined, raising questions about his ability to sustain high-level performance. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, those concerns materialized in 2024, as Huff managed just 2.5 sacks and missed five games due to wrist surgery. His limited impact in the Eagles’ playoff win over the Green Bay Packers, where he didn’t register a single defensive statistic, further highlighted the underwhelming return on their investment.
This has led to widespread criticism of the deal, with Bleacher Report labeling Huff’s contract one of the “Most Regrettable Mistakes” made by NFL teams in 2024. The report compared Huff’s $51.1 million contract to other more economical deals, such as Saquon Barkley’s three-year, $37.75 million contract and Zack Baun’s one-year, $1.6 million deal—both of whom earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report suggested that the Eagles should explore trading Huff to a team in need of edge-rushing help, like the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta, which ranked 25th in pressure rate in 2024, may look to bolster its defense, especially with edge rusher Matt Judon set to enter free agency. Huff, still young and with potential upside, could be an appealing target for a team seeking to revamp its pass rush.
The Eagles’ challenges at the edge rusher position extend beyond Huff. Fifteen-year veteran Brandon Graham was sidelined for the rest of the season after a triceps injury in Week 12, and their leading 2024 sack producer, Josh Sweat (8 sacks), is set to become a free agent. Sweat’s one-year, $10 million contract makes him an attractive option for other teams, leaving the Eagles with uncertainties about the future of their pass rush.
As the offseason approaches, Philadelphia faces significant decisions regarding their defensive line. If Huff remains on the roster, the Eagles must hope he can rebound in 2025. Alternatively, they may look to offload his contract and retool their defense with younger, more reliable talent.