There were a lot of reasons that the Philadelphia Eagles saw their success fall off a cliff during the 2023 season. Arguably the biggest was the step back that their defense took from the 2022 campaign.
In 2022, Philadelphia had one of the best defenses in the NFL, recording 70 sacks. But, in 2023, that production just wasn’t there as the Eagles were near the bottom of the NFL on that side of the ball.
The team took a risk, turning to younger, inexperienced players to take the spots of veterans who departed in free agency. Not wanting to make the same mistake twice, the Eagles are jumping head-first into the pass-rushing free-agent market this offseason.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Philadelphia is planning to sign New York Jets defensive end Bryce Huff. The two sides are finalizing a three-year, $51.1 million deal, which will make NFL history once the pen can be put to paper officially.
NFL News & Rumors: Bryce Huff, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Philadelphia Eagles Updates
That contract will make Huff the highest-paid non-quarterback who was an undrafted free agent in the history of the NFL. It is a deal that Huff certainly earned, as he led the Jets with 10 sacks last season despite being a situational role player along their defensive line.
This is a major signing for the Eagles as it helps them bolster what was an unexpected weakness in 2023. It also softens the blow that is expected to come with Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick being on the trade block.
Locking in a pass rusher of Huff’s caliber will make negotiations for those two players easier for Philadelphia. They won’t have to worry about scrambling and finding replacements for them since they already have one coming in Huff.
Huff is an emerging star in the NFL based on his pass-rushing numbers. With an expanded role, he can quickly become a household name with the kind of production he has shown capable of producing.
Want the latest NFL and NCAA Football analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
