Eagles Decide to Part Ways with Bryce Huff for Record-Low Compensation

Philadelphia, PA – In a surprising move, the Philadelphia Eagles have finalized a trade to send edge rusher Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers, accepting what is being described as a record-low compensation for a player of his caliber. The deal, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on May 30, 2025, marks the end of Huff’s brief and underwhelming tenure with the Eagles, who signed him to a three-year, $51 million contract in the 2024 free agency period.

A Disappointing Stint in Philadelphia

Huff, a former New York Jet who burst onto the scene with 10 sacks in 2023, was expected to bolster the Eagles’ pass rush under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. However, his 2024 season was a letdown, with only 2.5 sacks in 12 games and no playing time in Super Bowl LIX, where the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. The lackluster performance prompted the Eagles to cut their losses, opting to trade Huff rather than retain him for the remaining two years of his contract.

The trade reunites Huff with his former Jets head coach, Robert Saleh, now the defensive coordinator for the 49ers. While the move offers Huff a fresh start, it has raised eyebrows due to the minimal return for Philadelphia.

Record-Low Compensation Sparks Debate

Initial reports suggested the Eagles would receive a “mid-round pick” for Huff, potentially a late third- or early fifth-round selection. However, Eagles insider Anthony DiBona revealed on May 31, 2025, that the compensation is likely far less substantial. DiBona predicted the Eagles would secure only a conditional sixth-round pick, possibly deferred to the 2027 NFL Draft, making it one of the lowest trade returns for a high-profile free agent signing in recent NFL history.

“The longer we wait for details on the draft pick, the clearer it becomes that ‘mid-round pick’ was an optimistic label,” DiBona posted on X. “This could be a conditional sixth-rounder, and we might not see it until 2027.”

The low compensation is partly attributed to financial considerations. Cutting Huff would have saved the Eagles just $250,000 in cap space this season, while trading him frees up nearly $8 million. If the 49ers absorb most of Huff’s remaining contract, the Eagles’ willingness to accept a diminished draft pick becomes more understandable, though it has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s decision-making.

Eagles’ Defensive Line in Transition

The trade comes at a challenging time for Philadelphia’s defensive front. The team already lost edge rushers Milton Williams and Josh Sweat to free agency, thinning out their pass-rushing unit. Despite these departures, the Eagles appear committed to moving on from Huff, signaling confidence in younger players and potential new additions to fill the void.

General Manager Howie Roseman, known for his aggressive roster management, likely views the trade as a necessary step to correct a misstep in free agency. While the return is minimal, it provides the Eagles with additional draft capital, however small, and cap flexibility for future moves.

What’s Next for Huff and the Eagles?

For Huff, the move to San Francisco offers a chance to revive his career under Saleh, who maximized his potential during his breakout 2023 season. The 49ers, aiming to bolster their defensive line, see Huff as a low-risk addition with high upside.

For the Eagles, the trade closes a disappointing chapter. As they prepare for the 2025 season, the focus will shift to rebuilding their pass rush and leveraging their Super Bowl-winning momentum. While the record-low compensation for Huff may sting, it underscores the harsh realities of the NFL, where big contracts don’t always guarantee success.