The San Francisco 49ers are making noise once again in the NFL offseason, this time with a bold move to bolster their defensive line. According to sources from ESPNâs Adam Schefter, the 49ers are finalizing a trade for Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff. This transaction brings one of the NFLâs most efficient pass rushers to the Bay Area and marks yet another major shift in the team’s 2025 defensive roster overhaul.
The deal is expected to be made official next week, once the NFL calendar flips to June, allowing for contract restructuring and cap flexibility. The Eagles will absorb $9.05 million of Huffâs 2025 salary, with the 49ers set to pay the remaining $7.95 million this season, per reports. In return, Philadelphia will receive a mid-round draft pick, adding more flexibility for their future rebuilding efforts.
Bryce Huff Reuniting with Robert Saleh?
In San Francisco, Bryce Huff will find himself back under the guidance of a familiar mentor â defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who served as Huffâs head coach during their time with the New York Jets. The two forged a dynamic connection during Huffâs rise as a breakout performer in 2023.
It was under Salehâs leadership that Huff recorded a career-high 10 sacks and 68 quarterback pressures on just 312 pass-rush snaps. That translates to a staggering 21.8% pressure rate, the best mark in the NFL last season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
This trade not only signals a homecoming for Bryce Huff but a tactical reunion that could unlock the best version of his game once again.
From Big Payday to Second Chance: Huffâs Rollercoaster Season in Philadelphia
The 2023 season was Huffâs coming-out party. His dominance on the edge made him one of the most coveted players in NFL free agency 2024, ultimately landing a three-year, $51 million contract with the Eagles. It was a deal meant to anchor Philadelphiaâs defensive front for years to come.
However, things never quite clicked in Philly. Bryce Huff struggled to gain consistent traction in a crowded rotation, finishing with only 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 12 games, including just six starts. The pressure rate that once defined his presence faded, and the Eaglesâ defensive identity never fully integrated his skillset.
Now, a fresh opportunity awaits in the Bay Area.
49ers Defensive Line Renovation: Bryce Huff Joins Bosa and a Youth Movement
The 49ersâ defensive line depth chart for 2025 is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Outside of star pass rusher Nick Bosa, almost every major contributor from last season has been replaced or released. Veterans like Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd are gone, leaving room for new blood and new schemes.
The Niners wasted no time restocking through the NFL Draft, selecting Mykel Williams at No. 11 overall, a powerful edge defender who played nearly 36% of his college snaps inside. In addition, interior linemen Alfred Collins (2nd round) and CJ West (4th round) were added to inject youth and depth into the trenches.
With Bryce Huff now opposite Bosa, and Williams potentially moving across the line in sub-packages, San Francisco gains positional flexibility â a cornerstone of Salehâs defensive philosophy.
What This Means for the 49ers in 2025
The addition of Bryce Huff is more than a headline-grabbing trade â itâs a strategic move toward dominance on defense. For a team that has been on the cusp of a Super Bowl return, shoring up the pass rush could be the final puzzle piece.
Huffâs ability to generate pressures at an elite rate, combined with Bosaâs consistent All-Pro performance, gives the 49ers one of the most formidable edge duos in the league. If Williams can adapt quickly to NFL speed and rotate between inside and outside alignments, Saleh has the chess pieces he needs to unleash chaos on opposing offenses.
Impact on Eagles: Salary Cap Relief and Mid-Round Capital
For the Philadelphia Eagles, this trade represents a pivot. The team offloads a large portion of Huffâs contract while gaining a middle-round draft pick â a valuable asset for a front office that has prioritized roster flexibility and long-term depth. Itâs a reminder that in the NFL, even big-money free agent signings can be temporary if the fit isnât right.
Whatâs Next
As training camp nears, eyes will be on how Huff adapts to a 49ers team already rich in talent and expectations. If he can recapture his 2023 form, this trade could be remembered not just as a roster tweak, but as a season-defining acquisition.
With the 49ers once again going all-in, Bryce Huffâs journey from Philly to the Bay might just turn into one of the most consequential NFL trades of 2025.
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