If there's one position group that has taken a massive hit this offseason for the San Francisco 49ers, it's their defensive line.
Javon Hargrave had to be released, and their pass rush took major injury hits over the 2024 season. After a six-win year following their Super Bowl loss, the 49ers need to find creative ways to improve the roster without spending too much money.
And the defending champs might have the solution on their end.
Bryce Huff was once a high-upside player with the New York Jets. He recorded 10 sacks in 2023 on a defense led by Robert Saleh. Huff signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles but failed to produce much at all. Philly has signed multiple free agent edge rushers following their own departures, and could look to move Huff at the earliest point.
It's why ESPN's Matt Bowen believes the 49ers could be a plausible option for Huff. Especially with Saleh back as their defensive coordinator.
"However, the 49ers could make a trade with Philadelphia for edge rusher Bryce Huff, who had 10 sacks in 2023 for the Jets under new Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh," Bowen wrote.
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Nick Bosa is still manning the show along the edge for San Fran. That should show the team they simply need to find him a running mate who they can trust consistently in big moments.
Huff may have battled injuries and ineffective run defense play, but he can still get after the passer in Saleh's system.
It's unlikely to happen, but Huff could be a perfect solution for the 49ers biggest issues.
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 1:54 PM.