Bryce Huff, a defensive end with the New York Jets, has emerged as one of the team’s few bright spots in a terrible season. According to Next Gen Stats, the 2020 undrafted free agent ranks second in the NFL in pressure rate among players with at least 250 pass rushes and leads the club with eight sacks.
With numbers like these, Huff should command a sizable payout when he hits the free-agent market this winter. It remains to be seen whether that money will come from the Jets.
Despite his significant influence, Huff has only played 42% of the defensive snaps this season. Head coach Robert Saleh believes in rotating the defensive line on a regular basis to retain fresh legs on the pitch. This results in less playing time.
Giving a big contract to Huff, who has played fewer than half of the defensive snaps this season, doesn’t seem like the smartest use of money in an offseason when the Jets will need to fill openings at wide receiver and on the offensive line.
Though Huff has constantly demonstrated his usefulness for more defensive snaps, Saleh is unlikely to change a successful plan that has helped New York’s defence become one of the best in the NFL. This may prompt the 25-year-old to seek a fresh start with a squad that will pay him more and give him more consistent playing time.
While Saleh and GM Joe Douglas would love to re-sign Huff, doing so may cause another issue.
The Jets used their first-round pick in 2023 on
If Huff returns and McDonald remains on the bench next season, Douglas’ already dubious selection will be called into doubt even more. Wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle), Zay Flowers (Baltimore), and Jordan Addison (Minnesota) were taken after the Jets took 15th overall, and each could have filled a significant need for New York.
Huff’s long-term contract negotiations will most certainly be lengthy and difficult. However, the star DE is convinced that he will receive his due.
“I think my film speaks for itself.” I’ve done exceptionally well against some of the league’s best players. “I’ve shot a lot of good stuff,” Huff told the New York Post. “I’m not concerned about the negotiations. I believe I have a
