Vic Fangio's comments help justify NY Jets' controversial Bryce Huff decision

The NY Jets' decision to let homegrown star pass rusher Bryce Huff walk in free agency this offseason has been one of the team's most controversial moves of the last few months made even more contentious by the ongoing contract dispute surrounding his replacement, Haason Reddick.

Huff left the Jets to sign a three-year, $51.1 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in March as the Jets pivoted to acquiring Reddick in a trade with the Eagles. The two players essentially swapped places.

Much has been made of the Jets' decision to let Huff go, but some recent comments made by his new defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, certainly help support Joe Douglas's game plan.

Fangio spoke to reporters about Huff after practice on Thursday and insisted that the former undrafted free agent is still "a work in progress" as it pertains to being a three-down player.

Fangio spoke highly of Huff as a pass rusher but admitted that he's not yet able to play three downs because of his lackluster run defense. That's partially why the Jets made the decision to let him walk in free agency.

"Everybody thought [Bryce Huff] could (play on base downs), and knowing the floor was rush downs, he's taken the challenge on very well. He has the talent to do what we want him to do. It's just he's got to get familiar with doing it. It'll be a work in progress. Does he look like he can do it today? No. But I think eventually he will."

- Vic Fangio

The NY Jets may feel vindicated for letting Bryce Huff walk in free agency

The Eagles believe that Huff can develop into a three-down starter in their defense, but that doesn't appear to be the role he's going to play this season, at least not early on.

Huff joins a talented Eagles pass-rush corps that also features the likes of Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Nolan Smith, among others. Based on Fangio's comments, the Eagles don't see him as a three-down player at this time.

That was one of the Jets' largest criticisms about Huff. While the Memphis product has been one of the most efficient and productive pass rushers in the NFL over the last two years, the Jets never really trusted him to play a full-time role.

Huff did see his snap count and overall role increase quite a bit in 2023, and while his pass-rush production didn't dip, his run defense was certainly below average. That's an element of his game Huff is clearly working on in Philadelphia.

So, did the Jets make a mistake letting Huff walk, or are Fangio's comments vindication of the organization's controversial decision? That much remains to be seen. But right now, the Eagles seem to share the same evaluation of Huff that the Jets did.