San Francisco, CA – June 12, 2025
Bryce Huff could have stayed in Philadelphia. He could have fought to fit in under Vic Fangio’s scheme, tried to reclaim the dominance he once displayed with the Jets, and waited for his moment. Instead, he’s now wearing red and gold — and says he’s exactly where he belongs.
"It just feels right here," Huff told reporters after OTAs, a subtle but meaningful nod to his past and the decision to move forward. Traded to the San Francisco 49ers after a turbulent year in Philly, the 26-year-old pass rusher is embracing a new chapter — one that reunites him with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the coach who helped unlock his potential back in New York.
In 2023 under Saleh, Huff recorded 67 pressures and 10 sacks, asserting himself as one of the league’s premier edge rushers. But after signing a lucrative deal with the Eagles in 2024, things never quite clicked. Fangio’s system didn’t suit his explosiveness, and by the time the playoffs arrived, Huff was a healthy scratch. The ultimate insult came on Super Bowl Sunday, when he never saw the field.
The move to San Francisco is more than a fresh start — it’s a strategic reawakening. With Saleh back at the helm of the 49ers’ defense, Huff now finds himself in a familiar scheme that celebrates his strengths. And for a team looking to extend its Super Bowl window, that could be a game-changer.
"Coach Saleh knows how to get the most out of me," Huff said. "That trust goes a long way. This isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about dominating again."
The 49ers didn’t just acquire a player. They made a statement. Huff isn’t here to rotate. He’s here to make quarterbacks sweat. With Nick Bosa dealing with a reduced workload after lingering injuries last season, and a defensive front undergoing reshuffling, Huff could be the spark that reignites San Francisco’s pass rush.
The energy around Huff is already palpable. Coaches praise his quick first step and relentless motor, while teammates call him “a silent killer” — a menace off the edge who lets his play do the talking. And with the NFC arms race heating up, especially against mobile quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love, the 49ers might have just found their equalizer.
Philly may be where he signed the big deal. But San Francisco is where he plans to make it matter.
"It’s not about where you go first," Huff said with a grin. "It’s about where you finish strong."
And right now, Huff and the 49ers are betting they’ll finish on top.
