Since signing Bryce Huff from the New York Jets, the Philadelphia Eagles have faced challenges in utilizing the pass-rushing specialist effectively. Despite committing over $51 million to Huff, his role in the Eagles’ defense has been limited, and his production has dropped significantly. Through five games, Huff has registered just 0.5 sacks—9.5 fewer than his total from last season—raising questions about whether the Eagles are making the most of his abilities.
Huff, known as one of the most efficient pure pass rushers in the NFL, was a dominant force in New York. His success came from his ability to rush the quarterback from a four-point stance, a technique that allows him to explode off the line with speed and agility. However, the Eagles’ defensive scheme has made it difficult for him to play to his strengths.
The Eagles, under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, are running a more traditional 3-4 defense, where Huff has been deployed as an outside linebacker. This role requires more versatility, including setting the edge against the run—a skill that is not Huff’s strength. Unlike his time with the Jets, where he was used primarily in pass-rush situations on third downs, the Eagles have asked him to contribute on early downs, where defending the run is a priority.
Unfortunately, this adjustment has not worked. Huff has struggled to find a rhythm in his new role, leading to reduced playing time. To make matters worse, veteran defensive end Brandon Graham, who is in his final season, is receiving more snaps than Huff, despite Huff’s high-value contract.
In a recent interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia, Huff addressed his struggles and expressed his desire to return to what he does best—rushing the quarterback from a four-point stance. He explained that this technique allows him to play faster and more aggressively, helping him get to the quarterback more efficiently. “We talked about it this week,” Huff said. “My coaches wanted me to play faster, and that’s what I’ve done the last three years. That’s what I’ve been good at, exploding out of my four-point stance. He was able to coach me on that and help me do what I’m good at, which is burn out of a four-point stance and affect the QB.”
Vic Fangio has acknowledged Huff’s desire to return to his natural pass-rushing technique and allowed him to use the stance in certain situations, particularly on obvious passing downs. However, Fangio remains committed to using Huff as an outside linebacker, emphasizing the need for versatility in defending the run on early downs. “Possibly on some of the third downs,” Fangio said when asked about using Huff more as a traditional defensive end. He admitted that Huff’s skills as a pass rusher are valuable but stopped short of committing to a full-time role change.
The dilemma facing the Eagles is clear: how to best utilize Huff’s pass-rushing talent while maintaining the defensive integrity of their scheme. As it stands, Huff’s role is limited, and his production does not reflect the sizable investment the team made in him. Some have questioned whether the Eagles should continue to force Huff into a position that doesn’t play to his strengths or simply deploy him as a situational pass rusher, as the Jets did.
If the Eagles cannot find a way to maximize Huff’s potential, they may need to consider moving on from him. However, given his current performance, finding a trade partner willing to take on his contract could prove difficult. For now, the Eagles’ best course of action may be to adjust their scheme and allow Huff to do what he does best—rush the passer from his fou-point stance.
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