In a stunning move, the Philadelphia Eagles have traded defensive end Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 mid-round draft pick, pending a physical. Huff, who played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory in February, was in the first year of a $51 million contract he signed last offseason. To facilitate the trade, reports indicate that Huff recently reworked his contract, paving the way for his move to the Bay Area.
The trade reunites Huff with Robert Saleh, his former head coach with the New York Jets, where he played from 2020 to 2023. Saleh, now the defensive coordinator for the 49ers, coached Huff during his breakout 2023 season with the Jets, where he recorded a career-high 10 sacks and led the NFL in pressure rate. The Alabama native and former Memphis Tigers star is expected to bolster San Francisco’s defensive line, potentially lining up opposite veteran star Nick Bosa.
Huff isn’t the only ex-Jet to join Saleh in San Francisco this offseason. Linebacker Chazz Surratt and punter Thomas Morstead have also made the move, reuniting with their former coach after his departure from New York last season.
At 27 years old, Huff brings a wealth of experience with 78 tackles, 20 sacks, and two forced fumbles across 66 career games (13 starts) with the Jets and Eagles. Last season with Philadelphia, he recorded 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 12 games (six starts) before landing on injured reserve on November 22 due to a left wrist injury sustained during warmups before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He underwent surgery shortly after.
Averaged almost 10 yards a carry btw! https://t.co/RuI5WMkaA3
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) June 1, 2025
The 49ers, who drafted rookie edge rusher Mykel Williams out of Georgia in the first round, are clearly looking to strengthen their defensive front. While the 20-year-old Williams shows promise, Huff’s proven track record adds immediate impact to San Francisco’s pass-rush unit.
This blockbuster trade marks a significant shift for both teams, with the Eagles parting ways with a key contributor from their championship run and the 49ers gaining a seasoned talent to fortify their defense. Fans will be watching closely to see how Huff performs under Saleh’s guidance once again.