Bad News:Following Bryce Huff departure,jets are struggling to find a possible replacement of their sack leader as …

Following Bryce Huff departure,jets are struggling to find a possible replacement of their sack leader as 

 

 

 

In late January, New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV ended a vacation in Miami to return to New Jersey, hitting the team’s facility for workouts. Can the early effort translate to quarterback success?

 

The Jets are banking on it, especially after their 2023 15th overall draft pick McDonald’s value increased with sack leader Bryce Huff’s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $51.1 million deal. Allowing Huff to enter

free agency reflects the Jets’ confidence in McDonald, who had an unremarkable rookie season following a standout career at Iowa State.

 

So, is it a straightforward “Next Man Up” scenario? Not quite.

The Jets, operating as a win-now team with 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, face scrutiny over their failure

to retain top edge rusher Bryce Huff. Given the team’s defensive identity, particularly the importance of the front four, allowing 10 sacks to leave raises questions.

 

Huff, the Jets’ most potent speed rusher since John Abraham in 2004, bet on himself and secured a lucrative deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite glaring

offensive line needs, the Jets, unwilling to match a high salary, could have been more proactive by re-signing him before the season.

 

Acknowledging Huff’s talent, the Jets granted him the second-round tender ($4 million) as a restricted free agent last

March and rejected trade offers during the previous year. This signaled interest if he hit free agency, and by the season’s

end, the Jets were preparing for his probable departure. Initially seeking $20 million per year, Huff found a new opportunity in the open market.

 

General manager Joe Douglas, recognizing Huff’s excellence, commented at the scouting combine,

“Bryce is an outstanding player. He definitely deserves this opportunity to see where he is in the open market.”

The Jets, facing a playoff drought since 2010, may find their fortunes challenged by letting go of a player of Huff’s caliber.

In 2023, Huff boasted the highest pressure rate among all edge rushers (21.8%, minimum: 200 pass rushes) according to NFL Next Gen Stats. The

potential synergy between Huff and McDonald, the 2023 15th overall pick, could have been explored to enhance the team’s defensive capabilities.

General Manager Joe Douglas’ decision not to make a stronger effort in retaining Huff raises questions. Despite Huff’s situational role, playing only 42% of

defensive snaps, his effectiveness in those situations was undeniable. The Jets heavily rely on a four-man pass-rushing philosophy, emphasizing the need for

impactful players in this role. McDonald’s ability to replace Huff’s production remains uncertain as he had the fewest snaps among 2023 first-round picks.

 

While the Jets have the option to sign additional reinforcements, addressing the void left by Huff’s sack production is crucial for a team positioned as a win-now contender.

 

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