Much of the offseason may be over, but NFL teams can still shape their roster between Week 1 and Week 1. Is this the best way to do this at this time of year? trade.
There are still weaknesses to take off, and the players' team hopes to continue signing contracts.
As always, I will grading these deals from the perspective of each team. I will look at these deals from all angles - including quality, age and contracts, salary caps, compensation drafts, and the short- and long-term prospects of the teams involved. I will also consider the effectiveness of each deal and how we can determine whether this move is positive or negative.
Let's start with the offseason rating, starting with the 49ers bringing the pass help.
49 people got: Bryce Huff
The Eagle gets: 2026 midfield draft pick
49 people's score: B+
Eagles' results: B+
The 49ers dare bet that Hoff's 2024 season is an outlier - it's not a sign of what's about to happen.
Huff, a high-end free agent, signed a three-year, $51.1 million deal with the Eagles after showing serious pass divisions with the Jets. Despite doubts about his running defense, it seemed worth it at the time. From 2020 to 2022, Huff recorded a 26% pass sprint rate on Edge - in his position, he ranked in the top 10 hits in the position. When Huff gained more game time in 2023, there were 10 seasons that season before playing free agents.
But Hoff's figures immediately fell in Philadelphia. His win rate dropped to a career low of 19% (still above average), but the sack wasn't there (2.5), and his game time dropped, and then he missed the wrist surgery in the second half of the season. He is healthy in the playoffs, but not active for the Super Bowl - that's what Philadelphia thinks about his game.
The 49ers have been looking for quality wingers opposite Nick Bosa. Their biggest investment in the region is first-round draft pick Mykel Williams, but Huff is another swing.
It's a very reasonable drama for San Francisco. As Huff showed last season, there are still a lot to like in his history, and his passing charge rate remains steady despite his struggles. His pass run (the time it should cross the melee line) bounces up, from 0.8 seconds in 2021 to absurdity in 2022 to 0.67 in 2023, and in 0.79 in 2024.
Although this suggests that Huff slowed down, it's still better than average for the Edge Stormtrooper. The 49ers can replay Huff in a situational pass role – Williams deals with the run – which might be more suitable for his skills. And if anyone can get more out of their worries, maybe it's Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator for the 49ers, who coaches Huff with the Jets from 2021 to 2023.
Crucially, 49 people did not pay the full price. As Field Yates arranged, after he restructured the deal before the deal, the 49ers will pay less than $8 million for the huff this year. Adding to the third day draft pick, it seems like a worthwhile risk for a team with Super Bowl wishes and passing needs.
On the other hand, the Hawks obviously don’t feel the same about Hoff. They have multiple alternatives to go away with Nolan Smith Jr. Philadelphia doesn't have huge traction, but if Huff isn't an active lock on Sunday, then saving millions and getting a draft pick is a good result.