3 Eagles Who Could Benefit Most From Bryce Huff’s Possible Departure

Football is a business. The first time most of us heard that was probably from someone who plays football. Every season, several times a season, we see the evidence of that theory. During the current Philadelphia Eagles offseason, Dallas Goedert had his opportunity to witness firsthand the rigors of contract negotiations.

Fortunately, in Goedert's case, his agent and the Eagles were able to find some common ground that will allow him to play out the final year of his current deal in the City of Brotherly Love. By the looks of things, Bryce Huff may not be as lucky.

You may have heard. Philadelphia inked Bryce Huff, someone they thought to be an up-and-coming pass rusher, to a three-year deal just last March. A little over 14 months later, they seem content to move on, per Jeff McLane.

Football is a business, not only for the organizations. It's also a business for the players on the roster that they employ. It's possible that Bryce won't make it to the start of the Eagles' regular season. If he doesn't, his departure opens the door for some lesser-mentioned guys on Philadelphia's roster.

Josh Uche

Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are the presumed starters at EDGE. Most assume at least one of the free-agent additions is, more than likely, assured of a roster spot.

Of those sharing the above theory, the consensus is that the Eagles may value Azeez Ojulari over Josh Uche. Both have battled injuries, but the latter hasn't posted impressive numbers since an 11.5-sack showing in 2022.

Might the change of scenery do some good? Time will tell, but not having to compete with Huff for playing time is beneficial.

Patrick Johnson

After a brief stint with a division rival, Patrick Johnson has come home. He's best known in Philadelphia as a special-teams ace, but when given a chance, he's also shown he can be a decent pass rusher.

Johnson's issue is that he's always fallen victim to the numbers game. The Eagles always just had better players. Last offseason, it finally cost him his spot on the roster.

If one were to guess, it's safe to assume that he's probably the Eagles' sixth edge rusher (but only if Huff leaves). If Bryce doesn't go anywhere, Johnson's fate may be the same as last season, finding himself on the outside and looking in.

Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.

Once upon a time, it would seem easy to guarantee a spot on the 53-man roster to someone who was part of the most recent draft class. That isn't the case anymore. Teams are more prone to move off of guys faster, and when you're the tenth guy taken on a ten-man draft class, things get really touchy. Enter Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.

He cut his teeth collegiately in the SEC and ACC. In 2024, he started all 12 games he played in and accumulated 43 total tackles and 16 sacks.

He stands at 6-foot-2 and tips the scales at 258 pounds. Like Johnson, Huff's departure could open the door slightly, and in the rookie's case, it could lead to some early playing time.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles who gain the most from a potential Bryce Huff departure