As of 5:24 PM, the recent restructuring of Bryce Huff's contract and his subsequent trade will yield significant changes to the Philadelphia Eagles salary cap for 2025. While it's reported that this move will create over $15 million in cap space, the practical savings for the team are only $2.4 million, according to OverTheCap analyst Jason Fitzgerald. Initially, Huff's contract was set to account for $7.4 million against the 2025 salary cap, with his option bonus prorated over the next five years.
Now, the Eagles face a $4.94 million dead cap charge this year, along with a staggering $16.6 million in dead money for 2026. Despite the buzz surrounding the potential for more than $15 million in salary cap relief, the reality is that the Eagles are only marginally better off than before, with Huff's original cap number being a manageable $7.4 million.
At 12:43 PM, it became apparent that Bryce Huff will not be continuing with the Eagles into the 2025 season. A trade agreement has been finalized that will see him join the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a mid-round draft pick. Huff's absence from the team during spring workouts further hinted at a looming trade, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that the swap will officially occur after June 1. Notably, this trade involves a Day 3 pick changing hands.
To facilitate the trade, Huff has restructured his contract. As detailed by Schefter’s colleague, Field Yates, the Eagles declined Huff's option bonus, which was valued at a guaranteed $15.58 million, resulting in a base salary of the same amount for 2025. The Eagles then converted $9.05 million of that salary into a signing bonus, which they will absorb as dead money over the next two years. Consequently, the 49ers will take on the remaining $7.95 million of Huff's base salary for the upcoming season.
This trade not only allows the Eagles to save more than $15 million in cap space but also shifts the responsibility of Huff's final two contract years to the 49ers. Expectations were high for Huff upon his arrival in Philadelphia last year, especially given his lucrative $51 million contract, but the arrangement did not pan out as envisioned.
The move to San Francisco presents a promising opportunity for Huff to reunite with Robert Saleh, who was Huff’s head coach during his last three years with the New York Jets. Saleh has returned to his role as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator this offseason, creating a familiar environment for Huff. This reunion could be pivotal for Huff’s career, especially as he aims to replicate his impressive 2023 performance that included 10 sacks and a league-leading 21.3% pressure rate, as reported by ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
During his time with the Eagles, Huff struggled to adapt to Vic Fangio's defensive scheme, which required greater versatility from its edge defenders. In contrast, the 49ers' system may allow Huff to concentrate more on rushing the passer, potentially freeing up newly drafted Mykel Williams, the No. 11 pick, to take on a more versatile role on third downs.
In conclusion, the trade of Bryce Huff marks a significant shift for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers, with implications for salary cap management and on-field performance as each team looks forward to the future.
