**Eagles and 49ers Strike Deal to Trade Bryce Huff**

In a notable NFL trade, the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to send pass rusher Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers. The Eagles will receive a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which could escalate to a fourth-round pick based on Huff's performance. The transaction remains pending a physical examination, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones.

Trade rumors began circulating on May 30, but the deal couldn’t be executed until after June 1. Over the past few days, both teams worked diligently to finalize the arrangement, with Huff modifying his contract to pave the way.

At 27, Huff will reunite with former coach Robert Saleh, now the 49ers' defensive coordinator. Saleh coached Huff from 2021 to 2023 during their tenure with the New York Jets. Huff isn't the only former Jet joining San Francisco; linebacker Chazz Surratt and punter Thomas Morstead have also joined the team within the past week.

Huff entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie and had a breakout season in 2023, amassing a career-high 10 sacks without starting any games. Despite signing a three-year deal with the Eagles last offseason, which included six regular-season starts, Huff struggled with injuries that kept him out for five games. He was also inactive during the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.

San Francisco's defense, which now includes Huff, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner, is undergoing significant changes with up to four new starters. Bosa and Warner are notable for their high-level play, with Warner recently becoming the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in NFL history after signing a three-year deal.

Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman faced criticism for the gamble of signing Huff on a three-year, $51.1 million contract last offseason. Huff managed just 2.5 sacks and 13 tackles during his time in Philadelphia while earning $17.25 million in 2024. The Eagles will have to account for $9.05 million of Huff’s salary, with the 49ers covering the remaining $7.95 million guaranteed for the upcoming season.

Philadelphia orchestrated a strategic move, securing a mid-round draft pick while shedding a significant portion of Huff’s hefty salary. Despite the misstep with Huff, the Eagles still managed to win a Super Bowl, their second in eight years.

For the 49ers, Huff’s underwhelming stint with the Eagles does not diminish his potential value. Familiarity between Huff and Saleh could prove advantageous, offering a promising outlook for Huff’s contribution to the 49ers’ defense. The 49ers are betting on Huff to replicate his 2023 form when he posted the highest pass-rush rate in the NFL at 21.8%, according to Next Gen Stats.

San Francisco hopes Huff’s addition will fortify their revamped defense, aiming for a stellar season ahead.