The San Francisco 49ers have made a bold move, acquiring defensive end Bryce Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—a deal that’s already generating buzz across the league But the real intrigue lies in what comes next for both Huff and the 49ers’ defense under coordinator Robert Saleh.
Huff, 27, signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Eagles just last offseason after a breakout 2023 campaign with the New York Jets, where he notched sacks and led the NFL in pressure rate under Saleh’s coaching However, his lone season in Philadelphia was marred by a wrist injury that kept him out for five games, limiting him to.5 sacks and six starts. He was also a healthy scratch during the Eagles’ Super Bowl win.
The trade reunites Huff with Saleh, who returned to San Francisco as defensive coordinator after serving as Huff’s head coach with the Jets. The 49ers are banking on Saleh’s familiarity with Huff’s skill set to help him recapture his 2023 form and bolster a defensive front that has seen significant turnover this offseason San Francisco is expected to pair Huff with star pass rusher Nick Bosa, creating a potentially formidable edge duo.
Financially, the Eagles will pay $9.05 million of Huff’s $17 million salary for the upcoming season, with the 49ers absorbing the remaining $7.95 million Huff also agreed to restructure his contract to facilitate the trade, signaling his commitment to making the move work.
For the Eagles, the deal represents a pragmatic decision to move on from a high-priced free agent after a disappointing season, while recouping draft capital for the future For the 49ers and Saleh, it’s a calculated gamble that Huff can thrive once again in a familiar system—and potentially help reshape a defense undergoing major changes.
All eyes will now be on Huff’s performance in San Francisco and whether Saleh’s system can unlock the disruptive edge rusher the 49ers need.
