49ers Finalizing Trade for Bryce Huff, Reuniting Star Pass Rusher with Robert Saleh

The San Francisco 49ers are working to finalize a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for edge rusher Bryce Huff, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal is expected to be completed once the NFL calendar shifts to June. As part of the trade, Huff’s contract will be restructured.

Originally set to earn $16.75 million in guaranteed salary for 2025, Huff’s financial load will now be shared, with the Eagles paying $9.05 million and the 49ers covering the remaining $7.95 million. In exchange, San Francisco is expected to send a middle-round draft pick to Philadelphia.

Huff Reunites with Saleh, Seeking Fresh Start After Disappointing Eagles Stint

Bryce Huff will reunite with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, his former coach during his time with the New York Jets. Huff thrived under Saleh’s system, especially during the 2023 season, which marked a career-best performance.

He recorded 10 sacks and 68 pressures on just 312 pass-rush snaps, leading the NFL with a 21.8% pressure rate, per NFL Next Gen Stats. This standout season helped Huff secure a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract in 2024 free agency with Philadelphia.

Despite high expectations, Huff’s stint with the Eagles did not go as planned. In 12 games, including just six starts, he tallied only 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His limited impact on the field suggested a poor scheme fit, contributing to Philadelphia’s decision to move on. The trade to San Francisco offers Huff a fresh start and a familiar system, which could help him regain the form that made him one of the league’s top pass rushers just a year ago.

49ers Rebuild Defensive Front with Huff, Youth Additions, and Strategic Line Versatility

Huff joins a 49ers defensive line undergoing significant reconstruction. Aside from star defensive end Nick Bosa, the team has moved on from key veterans like Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd. The defensive overhaul was also evident in the draft, where San Francisco used its 11th overall pick on edge rusher Mykel Williams and added tackles Alfred Collins and CJ West in the second and fourth rounds, respectively.

Huff’s addition brings both veteran presence and strategic versatility to the 49ers’ defensive front. Lining him up opposite Bosa gives San Francisco a formidable pass-rushing duo, while also creating opportunities to rotate younger players like Williams across the line.

Williams, who played over a third of his college snaps inside, may now be used more flexibly in sub-packages. Huff’s arrival thus strengthens the team’s depth and gives defensive coordinator Saleh more tools to deploy in varied schemes.