The Philadelphia Eagles solved one of their top offseason mysteries by agreeing to a contract restructure with star tight end Dallas Goedert to keep him in Philly for the 2025 season.
One mystery still remains now weeks after the conclusion of the NFL Draft: What’s going on with $51 million EDGE rusher Bryce Huff?
While trading Goedert felt like a realistic option on draft weekend, moving on from Huff felt more like a priority. He’s the second highest-paid player on Philly’s defense (and was No. 1 prior to Zack Baun’s extension) and was a healthy scratch in Super Bowl LIX. Huff appeared in 14 games for the Eagles during the 2024 season and produced just 23 total pressures and two sacks.
Eagles insider Anthony DiBona recently revealed why Huff’s still on the roster, and (shocker!) it boils down to his contract.
Huff was guaranteed $34 million at signing last year and has four void years in his deal, which is a Howie Roseman staple. That means his $7.4 million cap hit for 2025 would accelerate to $29.2 million this year if he’s cut prior to June 1.
Moving on from Huff after that June 1 cutoff, however, could be more realistic for the team, as all dead cap charges (or the sum of remaining roster and signing bonuses) can then be split over the next two seasons. The Eagles used up their two allotted post-June 1 designations on both Darius Slay and James Bradberry this offseason, so in DiBona’s view, they’re now playing the waiting game in hopes of getting some type of compensation in return for the initial investment they made in Huff.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“On June 1st, Brandon Graham’s retirement will process and the Eagles will gain a roster spot,” DiBona wrote on Philly’s EDGE situation. “There are still a few notable free agents available on the market, yet the Eagles likely won’t be interested in signing them unless those players are willing to accept minimal guaranteed money.
“It’ll also be much easier for Philadelphia to potentially trade Bryce Huff after June 1st, which would make the possible dead cap hits from trading Huff a bit more palatable.”
While it’s possible Huff sticks with Philly in 2025 for a redemption tour, his spot on the depth chart is in serious jeopardy. Jalyx Hunt was the superior player in 2024, and the team added both Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche in free agency, and rookie Antwaun Powell-Ryland on Day 3 of the draft.
Philly won’t be paying Huff $16.75 million in cash this season to play another 300 unproductive snaps. A much-needed resolution for both sides could still be coming. It’ll just have to wait another month or so.
MORE EAGLES NEWS:
Read the full article here