Philadelphia signed defensive end Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51 million contract this offseason, hoping he would be a younger and more explosive version of Haason Reddick, whom they traded to the New York Jets.
At 25 years old, Huff has increased his sack production in seasons, jumping from 3.5 sacks in 2022 to 10.0 this past season. Now the question is whether Huff can transition into the role of being a consistent, three-down defensive end for the Eagles.
Vic Fangio was tasked with answering that question on Thursday. As of today, Huff isn’t ready for that role, but Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator believes he can be.
Eagles DC Vic Fangio on trying to make Bryce Huff an every down player. @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/XoQ1lkw7Ow
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) July 25, 2024
More of a situational pass rusher than a true defensive end or SAM linebacker, Huff played in just 42 percent of the Jets’ defensive snaps, as he was used solely in pass-rushing situations. He still logged ten sacks, and one season after Philadelphia brass was left highly disappointed with the pass rush’s production, Howie Roseman signed a natural.
Fangio won’t be dropping Huff into coverage on 50% of the downs, and his arrival should spur an uptick in sacks and pressures. In 2023, Huff recorded 68 quarterback pressures in 312 pass rush attempts — an NFL-leading 21.8% pressure percentage, according to Next Gen Stats (minimum: 300 rushes).
Now we’ll find out if he can duplicate Brandon Graham and develop into an elite-run stuffer.
