Sad News: Disgruntled $51 Million Eagles Star Forcing Exit From Philadelphia to Join 49ers

In a significant shift that underscores mounting tensions behind the scenes, Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff is reportedly pushing for a trade to the San Francisco 49ers, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal, which is expected to become official after the calendar flips to June, marks a quick and dramatic end to Huff’s brief stint in Philadelphia following a blockbuster offseason signing.

Huff inked a three-year, $51 million contract with the Eagles just months ago, one of the most lucrative edge rusher deals in the 2024 free agent market. The move was seen as a major win for Philadelphia’s defense at the time. However, Huff’s time in Philly quickly soured, with the 25-year-old never truly finding his rhythm in the Eagles’ defensive system. He appeared in just 12 games, starting only six, and registered a disappointing 13 total tackles and 2.5 sacks — a stark contrast to the high expectations set by his breakout campaign the year before.

That breakout year came in 2023 with the New York Jets, where Huff emerged as one of the NFL’s most efficient pass rushers. He notched a career-best 10 sacks and an eye-popping 68 quarterback pressures over 312 pass-rushing snaps. His 21.8% pressure rate led the league, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and made him one of the most coveted defensive linemen available entering free agency.

Now, Huff is headed to the Bay Area, where he will reunite with former Jets defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Although Saleh is now the Jets’ head coach, Huff’s move to San Francisco will still land him in a familiar system, under defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, that mirrors many of Saleh’s principles. The 49ers are banking on Huff rediscovering his 2023 form to bolster a pass rush that has undergone significant retooling during the offseason.

As part of the trade, Huff’s contract is being restructured to better align with the 49ers’ cap situation. Exact details of the new deal have yet to be revealed, but the agreement paves the way for the move to be finalized early next week.

This sudden exit leaves Eagles fans disappointed and raises questions about what went wrong so quickly. Huff’s inability to thrive in Philadelphia — whether due to scheme fit, locker room tension, or usage concerns — is a frustrating chapter in what was expected to be a major addition to the Eagles’ front seven.

For the 49ers, however, it’s another aggressive step toward remaining at the top of the NFC. If Huff returns to his dominant Jets form, San Francisco may have landed one of the most impactful pass rushers in the league at a bargain price.