In a stunning move at the beginning of June 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles traded veteran defensive end Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a middle-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The trade marked the end of a disappointing chapter for Huff in Philadelphia, where his high-profile signing failed to deliver the expected results.
Huff, who inked a three-year, $51 million deal with the Eagles, struggled to replicate the success he enjoyed with the New York Jets in 2023, where he recorded an impressive 10 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for a loss. In stark contrast, his lone season with the Eagles saw him muster just 13 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3 tackles for a loss. The significant drop in production, coupled with questions about his fit within the Eagles’ defensive scheme, prompted Philadelphia’s front office, led by Howie Roseman, to cut their losses.
Adding to the tension, Huff’s decision to skip the Eagles’ offseason program signaled a disconnect, making the trade an inevitable and pragmatic move for the franchise. The Eagles recognized that waiting for a turnaround in 2025 was unlikely, and moving on from the former Memphis Tigers standout was the best course of action.
On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Huff addressed the media for the first time since joining the San Francisco 49ers, offering insight into his tumultuous tenure with the Eagles. Speaking to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Huff reflected on his experience, saying, “I learned a lot about myself throughout that experience, but it just…” While his statement trailed off, it was clear that Huff was ready to turn the page and embrace his fresh start with the defending Super Bowl champions.
New #49ers DE Bryce Huff said he had a few places in mind he would have liked to land as he expected a trade during the offseason. San Francisco was one of them. As for how it ended in Philly, Huff said:
“I learned a lot about myself throughout that experience, but it just…
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) June 11, 2025
Huff also revealed that San Francisco was among the destinations he had hoped for when trade rumors swirled during the offseason. Now with the 49ers, Huff is focused on applying the lessons learned in Philadelphia to make an immediate impact in San Francisco’s vaunted defensive front.
For the Eagles, trading Huff was a clear admission of a rare misstep by their front office. The move allows Philadelphia to move forward without the burden of a contract that no longer aligned with their vision. Similarly, the 49ers, with their championship pedigree, have no reason to dwell on Huff’s past struggles. Instead, they gain a talented edge rusher eager to prove himself in a new system.
As Huff embarks on this new chapter, his candid remarks and the circumstances surrounding his trade have sent ripples through the NFL, leaving fans and analysts alike eager to see how he performs with the 49ers in the 2025 season.