The Philadelphia Eagles made significant moves in free agency this offseason in a bid to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season and return to the Super Bowl. One area of concern was the pass-rushing position, which led the team to sign defensive end Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51 million deal. Huff had a standout season with the New York Jets in 2023, recording 10 sacks, which earned him a lucrative contract. However, the Eagles are now focused on helping him maintain that level of performance on the field, particularly on all three downs.
Despite his success as a pass rusher, Huff has struggled to be a consistent option for the Jets on all downs. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio acknowledged that Huff has the talent to excel in this role but needs to work on becoming more proficient in stopping the run. Fangio emphasized the importance of showing constant improvement and becoming more familiar with the demands of playing on base downs. While Huff has the potential to transition into an all-down player, he must demonstrate consistent growth and adapt to the new system in Philadelphia.
For Huff to meet the Eagles’ expectations, he will need to prove that he can be effective regardless of what the opposing offense is running. Philadelphia signed him with the belief that he can continue to develop and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts. The pressure is on for Huff to show that he can perform at a high level and justify the contract he received this offseason. Failure to do so could result in limited playing time and raise questions about the Eagles’ decision to sign him.
The Eagles are committed to supporting Huff in his transition to a more versatile role on the defense. Fangio highlighted the importance of the young player constantly improving and becoming more comfortable with his new responsibilities. While Huff may not currently look ready to play all three downs, the coaching staff believes that he has the potential to grow into the role as he gains more experience. The team is optimistic about Huff’s future with the Eagles, but he must demonstrate the necessary progress to secure a significant role in the defense.
As Huff works to adapt to his new environment and expand his skill set, the Eagles will be closely monitoring his development and performance. The team is counting on him to elevate his game and contribute significantly to their defensive efforts. It remains to be seen whether Huff can meet the expectations set for him in Philadelphia and become a reliable presence on all downs. The upcoming season will be crucial for his growth and the team’s success as they aim to return to the Super Bowl.
