Jets lose out on re-signing Bryce Huff who takes $51.1 million deal from the Philadelphia Eagles
The New York Jets defense which was top five in almost every statistical category last season just got a little bit weaker. Bryce Huff has agreed to a three-year deal worth $51.1 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. Huff, who signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent, worked his way into a roster spot, […]
The New York Jets defense which was top five in almost every statistical category last season just got a little bit weaker.
Bryce Huff has agreed to a three-year deal worth $51.1 million with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Huff, who signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent, worked his way into a roster spot, and eventually a prominent role in Robert Saleh’s defense culminating in 10 sacks last season.
The Jets did actively try and re-sign the 25-year-old, but Huff had already stated (rightfully) that he will not be offering any “home team discounts” and will sign with the team that offers him what he feels he is worth. As an undrafted rookie who had to fight for everything he got in the NFL thus far, that is really the only mindset to have.
That time ultimately wound up being the Eagles who gave him just over $17 million a year for the next three years, a number that Joe Douglas simply wasn’t willing to match. The deal will make Huff the highest-paid non-QB undrafted free agent in NFL history, per sources.
Huff was one of the top free agent priorities for the Eagles and their GM Howie Roseman. Huff was described as a “Howie Roseman guy” and the Eagles GM put his money where his mouth is.
Huff sent out a heartfelt message on his social media to Jets fans, thanking them for the last few seasons.
Huff is a difference maker on the field and will be missed in the Jets locker room, but the team ultimately looked at him as a situational player instead of an every down player.
I wrote early on that the Jets were likely to go $12-$13million a year for Huff but anything above that would ultimately price them out.
Now What for the Jets?
With Huff on the field, the Jets allowed a miniscule passer rating of 69.8, compared to 83.1 when he was on the sideline. That’s a significant difference that shouldn’t be ignored, but he only played 42% of the defensive snaps last season and never started.
You won’t have to look far to know how the Jets plan to replace Huff, because he is already on the roster. The Jets drafted Will McDonald IV last year in the first round to be a pass rush specialist.
While McDonald saw very limited action last season, the Jets will count on him to take a big leap in his progression in his sophomore season and fill the gap left by Huff’s departure.
As for the money the Jets were willing to spend on Huff, I imagine most of that will now be earmarked for the offense and the offensive line in particular.
Jets re-sign kicker Greg Zuerlein to two year deal worth $8.4 million
The New York Jets re-signed a major piece to their offense the last two seasons and one of their most potent weapons. Their kicker. Greg Zuerlein has agreed to a two-year, $8.4 million contract to remain with the Jets, according to multiple reports. Zuerlein made $2.6 million last year, so this deal constitutes a decent […]
