Big-name free agent Bryce Huff won the Super Bowl during his first year with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he may not have a chance to defend his title. Signed to a three-year, $51 million deal, the former New York Jets pass rusher couldn’t recapture his 10-sack magic in the City of Brotherly Love. Appearing in 12 games while making six starts, Huff finished the season with just 2.5 sacks and a 69.7 PFF grade, the 39th-best mark out of 119 eligible players. While he wasn’t an active liability, Philadelphia made him a healthy scratch for the duration of their Super Bowl run.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Bryce Huff will not have a chance to redeem himself with the Eagles. The pass rusher is skipping voluntary OTAs, but McLane believes his absence was mutually agreed upon. The writer believes that Philadelphia will try and trade him for whatever they can get but ultimately thinks Howie Roseman and the Eagles will “eventually [be] forced to waive” the pass rusher.
Bryce Huff didn’t live up to his contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, but that doesn’t mean he won’t earn another opportunity. His respectable PFF grade suggests he can still be an adequate role player in the right scheme. Nobody will trade for his current contract, but Huff could earn a one-year, prove-it deal with the following organizations.
Update (1:39 EST): The Eagles and 49ers have agreed to a trade that will send Huff to San Francisco for a mid-round pick
Eagles Expected to Part Ways With Bryce Huff After Disappointing Season
Next Teams
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers rebuilt their defensive line in the offseason, signing Tershawn Wharton and drafting edge defenders Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the second and third rounds, respectively. The two rookies hold long-term promise, but this team needs someone that can contribute right away and help this team make a push in a weak NFC South. Assuming the Eagles cut hm, Bryce Huff could be the ideal short-term starter to earn some time on the field and help the youngsters adjust to NFL life.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are in a staring contest with star edge defender Trey Hendrickson, but they still need another pass rusher, even if they can work out a long-term deal. This defense projects to be one of the worst units in football, and signing Huff will go a long way towards improving the pass rush. Additionally, Bryce Huff shouldn’t cost too much, as the Eagles will be on the hook for most of his guaranteed money.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers retained Khalil Mack but still need another edge defender. Tuli Tuipulotu is an adequate role player, but Bud Dupree leaves a lot to be desired as the third edge defender on the depth chart. Los Angeles has Super Bowl aspirations, and adding a player with 10-sack potential like Huff should increase their odds of going on a deep playoff run for the first time in forever.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders made it to the NFC Championship Game with a roster that most believed to be a year or two away from competing. A great cost-controlled quarterback like Jayden Daniels can cover up a lot of roster flaws, and now it’s time for the Commanders to go all-in on their quest for a Lombardi Trophy. Bryce Huff won’t singlehandedly win a championship for this team, but the Eagles castoff could be a key role player for a defense that needs more pass rushers.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta – Imagn Images
The post REPORT: Eagles “Eventually Forced to Waive” $51 Million Free Agent (Updated) appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.