The San Francisco 49ers got the band back together ahead of the 2025 season, reuniting with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh after he garnered some serious head coaching interest. Saleh was given full control over a San Francisco defense that needs an injection of schematic excellence and overall quality.
For all his faults during his time as head coach of the New York Jets, Saleh was a master when it came to executing dominant defensive schemes. For a two-year span, Saleh crafted what was without a doubt a top-five unit in the league. Naturally, Saleh wants to run it back with as many former Jets as possible.
Former Jets pass rusher Bryce Huff, who signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, was acquired by the 49ers via a trade that will send a Day 3 pick back to the reigning champions. Despite playing so poorly that he was essentially benched in the late stages of the season, Huff still had a secret admirer.
Saleh, who brought former 49ers busts Solomon Thomas and Javon Kinlaw with him to New York, is continuing his trend of linking up with some of his former players. Huff is a gamble by Saleh, as he is betting on his scheme instantly fixing Huff's big issues.
49ers' Bryce Huff trade is a big bet on Robert Saleh
While Huff had only recorded 7.5 sacks in three seasons prior to 2023, the former undrafted free agent posted some of the best pressure rates in the league. After a 10-sack campaign in 2023 with similarly high rates of getting to the quarterback, Huff cashed in with a three-year, $51 million deal with the Eagles.
Unfortunately, Huff would find himself struggling to fit in with Vic Fangio, mustering just 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks while looking like a completely different player than the one who was nigh unblockable under Saleh.
The 49ers are continuing to pile up the former Jets. On top of the fact that Huff will join punter Thomas Morstead and linebacker Chazz Surratt in San Francisco, former Jets special teams coach Brant Boyer arrived, joined at the hip with Saleh.
Saleh has his faults, but he knows how to craft a stifling defense. He knows the type of players he needs to take this defense from good to great. Huff became a dynamic pass rusher under Saleh, and the return to his scheme could be all he needs to get his career back on the right track.
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