In an article by ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap shared his insights on the Bryce Huff contract situation and his future with the New York Jets.
With Huff on the field, the #Jets allowed a stingy passer rating of 69.8, compared to 83.1 when he was on the sideline — the biggest differential among their DLM.
Now he’s about to get a 💰. Will it come from the Jets? He’d be a big loss. https://t.co/Ye775i5MP9
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) February 15, 2024
Fitzgerald remarked, “I think the public pressure is going to be so high, and it’s going to be really bad if they lose him, so maybe they end up overpaying a little bit to keep him.”
The cap expert also forecasted that Huff “will ultimately land in the $17 to $18 million range” and speculated that “Huff will sign an 11th-hour deal to remain in New York.”
These remarks from Fitzgerald are particularly intriguing given the current circumstances.
As Cimini reiterated in the article, New York is unlikely to utilize the $23 million franchise tag on Huff. Additionally, there has been consistent mention of 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald as a player poised to excel in 2024.
Furthermore, Huff has made it clear that he will not offer the Jets a hometown discount and is seeking the highest possible payday.
Considering all these factors, the Jets must find a solution to retain Huff if they choose not to use the franchise tag.
Huff, hailing from Memphis, has been the team’s top pass rusher for the past two seasons. In 2023, he notched 10 sacks and ranked 19th among edge rushers with 67 total pressures, despite ranking 59th in pass-rush snaps. His 22.9% pass-rush win rate ranked third among players with at least 300 pass-rush snaps, trailing only Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett.
Successful teams and organizations do not allow talented edge rushers to depart without compensation. Exceptional teams ensure they retain such players.
If the Jets aim to be perceived as an elite organization, they must retain elite talent on their roster. Allowing Huff to leave without adequate compensation, especially after multiple opportunities to trade or re-sign him, would undoubtedly weaken the team’s position before any further roster moves are made.
