Grading Eagles Bryce Huff Trade: Howie Roseman makes up for last year's mistake
Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles signing Bryce Huff to a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract last offseason sounded like a great idea following his 2023 breakout season with the New York Jets. Instead, it ended up being a terrible idea. Huff struggled to stay healthy, missing five games due to a lingering wrist injury, […]
Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles signing Bryce Huff to a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract last offseason sounded like a great idea following his 2023 breakout season with the New York Jets.
Instead, it ended up being a terrible idea.
Huff struggled to stay healthy, missing five games due to a lingering wrist injury, and never quite found his rhythm under Vic Fangio's defensive system. His production reflected that mismatch, as he managed only 2.5 sacks over 12 appearances and was ultimately inactive for the team’s playoff run, including their Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
That left the Eagles working out a trade with the San Francisco 49ers, rather than continuing to force a fit.
By trading Huff to the Niners, the Eagles recoup a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick that could escalate to a fourth-rounder depending on Huff's 2025 performance. More importantly, the Eagles offload a portion of his hefty contract, clearing valuable cap space in the process.
This move also reflects the Eagles' growing confidence in their younger pass rushers like Nolan Smith and Azeez Ojulari, who are now expected to take on larger roles in the defensive rotation. It’s a classic case of cutting losses early before sunk costs mount, and it positions the Eagles well for the future by increasing financial flexibility and draft capital.
From the Niners' side, this trade is pretty much a no-brainer. It’s a low-risk move with the potential for some serious upside. Huff gets to reunite with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the same guy who helped him break out with the Jets, and that familiarity could go a long way. It also helps that he won’t have to be a star or play every down. Instead, Huff will slide into a more focused role in a loaded defensive line rotation, which should let him do what he does best without being stretched too thin. If he can tap back into that 2023 version of himself, this trade could end up being a total steal for the Niners.
Eagles-49ers Bryce Huff Trade Grade: B
All in all, this trade gets Roseman and the Eagles a solid B grade. It’s not the kind of move that grabs headlines, but it’s a smart one that checks both short-term and long-term boxes. The Eagles free up some cap space, add a draft pick, and clear the way for younger guys to step up. It’s another example of Roseman doing what he does best, which is making calculated and forward-thinking decisions to keep the roster in good shape without blowing things up.
