49ers Steal Sack Machine from Eagles in Surprise Trade

Santa Clara, CA – June 3, 2025

It came out of nowhere. In a move that few saw coming, the San Francisco 49ers have acquired edge rusher Bryce Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles in what insiders are already calling one of the boldest trades of the offseason. While the NFL world was busy speculating on receiver drama and quarterback contracts, the 49ers quietly made a deal that could reshape their defensive front — and maybe tilt the NFC balance.

Huff, who recorded a career-high 10 sacks with the New York Jets in 2023 before joining the Eagles, never quite found his footing in Philly. Injuries, a crowded defensive line rotation, and schematic misfits limited his production in 2024. Still, the raw numbers — including a league-best 21.8% pressure rate in 2023 — made it clear: Huff isn’t just a role player. He’s a weapon.

"Bryce Huff doesn’t just get pressure — he finishes," said a former Jets assistant familiar with his development. "He's got that extra gear you can’t teach. If he’s healthy and used right, he can wreck games."

For San Francisco, the fit makes perfect sense. The team has been aggressively reshaping its defense after a disappointing playoff exit and the departure of several veterans. Adding Huff opposite Nick Bosa gives the 49ers a terrifying one-two punch off the edge, with rookie Mykel Williams likely rotating in behind them. The move also signals a deepening influence of returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who coached Huff in New York and reportedly pushed hard for the reunion.

Financially, the deal is savvy. With the Eagles covering $9.05 million of Huff’s 2025 salary and the 49ers picking up only $7.95 million, San Francisco lands a high-upside pass rusher at a manageable cost — especially crucial after paying Brock Purdy $265 million just weeks ago.

While official details of the trade reveal only a conditional Day 3 pick heading to Philadelphia, many around the league believe the true cost could climb depending on Huff’s snap count and sack totals. And if he delivers as expected, that will be a price the 49ers are more than happy to pay.

In an NFC that grows more cutthroat by the week, this was the kind of move that championship teams make. Quiet. Calculated. Devastating. And as one NFC scout bluntly put it: "The rich just got richer — again."