Eagle’ edge rusher entered Philadelphia last offseason with the fanfare of a blockbuster summer hit—massive contract, massive expectations. It was like a classic Western: Huff riding in like John Wayne, ready to conquer the Wild West. Eagles fans envisioned him forming a fearsome pass-rushing tandem that would wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. But instead of a triumphant saga, the story faded abruptly—the spotlight dimmed, and the show ended far too soon. What happened to the star of the show?
On Monday, the Eagles pulled the plug, sending Huff to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a conditional 2026 draft pick—a fifth-rounder that could turn into a fourth.
Just like that, the high-priced pass rusher, brought in less than a year ago, was out the door. It’s like splurging on a vintage muscle car, only to find it stalls in the driveway. The move leaves the Eagles with over $9 million in dead cap. Was this a calculated exit strategy or a costly misjudgment?
Huff’s stint in Philly didn’t live up to the hype. After inking a three-year, $51.1 million deal, he posted just 2.5 sacks in 2024—a far cry from the explosive 10-sack campaign he had with the Jets. That version of Huff felt like a relic of the past.
Though his pass rush win rate stayed above average, it dipped to a personal low of 19%. And when the Eagles hoisted the Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl LIX, Huff was on the sidelines, not the field. The fit just wasn’t right. As defensive coordinator Vic Fangio put it, “That really affected him… he lost all that.” A hand injury further derailed his impact.
What’s Next for Philly After Huff’s Departure?
The Eagles decided to move on, getting modest draft value in return. So, why the urgency?
It seems Philly is betting on its youth movement at edge rusher. Nolan Smith Jr. showed promise late last season, while offseason additions Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche bring experience. Rookie Jalyx Hunt earned more snaps as the year progressed.
Fangio expressed optimism: “I feel good about Nolan… I think we’ll feel good about Jalyx… I think we’ll be fine.” The message is clear—they’d rather give those reps to emerging talent.
Not everyone agrees, though. San Francisco views Huff as a bounce-back candidate.
He’s reuniting with his former Jets defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, and will line up opposite Nick Bosa on a Niners squad eager for more edge help. San Francisco also adjusted Huff’s deal, keeping his 2025 salary under $8 million.
ESPN’s Seth Walder backed the move: “This is a pretty reasonable play for San Francisco… His pass rush win rate remained solid despite his struggles.” If Huff returns to form, the deal could end up hurting the Eagles more than they expected.
For Philadelphia, the real cost may go beyond the dead cap hit. It’s the disappointment of a high-profile signing that didn’t deliver. It’s the lingering doubt: could Huff have thrived with better health or a different scheme?
Only time will tell whether this was smart cap management or an expensive lesson. For now, the Eagles shift focus, hoping their young pass rushers prove that Huff’s exit wasn’t a setback—but a turning point.
As Bear Bryant once said, “It’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” The Eagles’ preparation at edge rusher has just taken a bold new direction.