The New York Jets have several big decisions to make this offseason when it comes to their roster. They need to maximize having Aaron Rodgers on the roster, as it is Super Bowl or bust for as long as he plays for the team.
Upgrading the offensive line is imperative this offseason and New York could use some more weapons around Rodgers as well. The Jets will also be in the market for another quarterback, as owner Woody Johnson wants the team to add a legitimate backup option.
New York already began the process of overhauling the offensive line, releasing guard Laken Tomlinson. Now, they have a major decision to make in the trenches on the opposite side with free agent pass rusher Bryce Huff.
Undrafted out of Memphis, Huff has developed into a pass-rushing force in his four seasons with the Jets. Now, he is looking to cash in as a free agent, as he has no plans of giving New York a hometown discount to retain him.
NFL News & Rumors: Bryce Huff, 2024 NFL Free Agency, New York Jets Updates
After using a first-round pick in consecutive years on defensive ends, it could be hard to justify handing Huff a large contract. But, he did lead the team with 10 sacks last season despite playing a part-time role as a rotation player.
Alas, if the Jets are going to keep him, it will be by signing a long-term deal. That is because the team currently has no plans to use the franchise tag on Huff. General manager Joe Douglas said the team is working hard to try and re-sign him, but the franchise tag will not be part of the equation.
It does make some sense that they wouldn’t want to use the franchise tag as the cost is steep. For the 2024 season, a franchise tag for a defensive end is $21.3 million. New York can’t really afford to allocate that kind of money to one player given the other needs on the roster.
But, potentially watching him leave in free agency without any compensation would hurt as well. Teams can never have too many edge rushers and Huff has proven to be a disruptive and productive one. If a long-term deal can’t be reached before free agency begins, it would not be surprising to see him depart.
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