Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff was supposed to be a disruptive force coming off the edge to replace linebacker Haason Reddick for three years. Now, he could be on his way out of Philadelphia.
According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Eagles have placed both Huff and tight end Dallas Goedert on the trade block. Huff, 26, signed a three-year, $51.1 million contract last offseason to become their No. 1 edge rusher, but finished last season with 2.5 sacks, a considerable drop-off from the 10 he had in his final season with the Jets. Huff also tallied 13 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. He missed five games last season after having surgery to repair his wrist.
The writing was on the wall that Huff could move on from the Eagles after his playing time dipped dramatically as the season progressed, and even more so after he returned from his injury. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio opted for a three-man edge rotation that included defensive end Josh Sweat and linebackers Nolan Smith and Jaylx Hunt, emerging pass rushers who combined for 5.5 sacks in the team’s run to the Super Bowl. Huff was eventually placed on the inactive list for Super Bowl LIX. Coupled with the team signing Josh Uche to a one-year deal, Huff is on the outside looking in, even with defensive end Brandon Graham mulling over possibly retiring.
According to Over The Cap, if the Eagles trade him before June 1, the team would take a $5.3 million cap hit. However, if they waited until after June 1, they would save $4.2 million. The likely scenario could be the Eagles trying to get a draft asset, mainly in the sixth or seventh rounds, to make it easier to move him. They could also pull a move similar to what happens in the NBA and attach a draft pick with Huff to get a higher selection.
Meanwhile, the Goedert situation continues to play out, with questions about his future with the team continuing to pop up. Last season, Goedert caught 42 passes for 496 yards and two touchdowns but missed seven games because of knee and hamstring injuries, paving the way for Grant Calcaterra to get more playing time. In the games Goedert was unavailable, Calcaterra had 14 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown.
Goedert is entering the final year of his contract and could be looking for an extension for long-term security. If they were to release Goedert with a post-June 1 designation or trade him after June 1, OTC projects they would save $4 million.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.