ESPN analysts Matt Bowen and Field Yates both agree that the San Francisco 49ers took a step back this offseason. The team parted ways with several key contributors, including trading Deebo Samuel and Jordan Mason, while letting others like Dre Greenlaw and Charvarius Ward leave in free agency.
"I don't expect the 49ers' record to dip again after an injury-riddled 6-11 season in 2024, but this team will have a much different look," Yates commented.
He added that these moves set the stage for quarterback Brock Purdy to receive a substantial raise and for a new phase of roster building.
The offseason losses were significant, and the 49ers watched from the sidelines as other organizations fought to improve in free agency. However, Bowen believes the 49ers have an opportunity to address one of their most pressing needs.
San Francisco released Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, and Maliek Collins, further depleting the depth of an already thin defensive front.
"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.
The Eagles may regret signing Huff to a three-year, $51.1 million contract last offseason. The pass rusher managed just 2.5 sacks in 2024, though he missed five weeks due to a torn ligament in his wrist. Huff was activated from injured reserve on December 28 but was inactive for the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Saleh spent three years working with Huff during the player's first four NFL seasons in New York and would undoubtedly have valuable insight into the edge rusher's potential.