Bryce Huff Disappoints Jets Fans With Free Agency Comments

Bryce Huff's 2023 season ended in tremendous fashion. In the season finale against the New England Patriots, Huff brought down Bailey Zappe twice, bringing his total to 10 sacks on the year, which led the team. This is great timing for the ascending pass-rusher as he's scheduled to hit the open market in March.

The 25-year-old signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Despite being used in a limited fashion, Huff continued to master his craft and that was fully on display this season. Now he's ready to cash in and won't take a discount to stay in New York.

“I’m not giving any discount,” Huff said. “I worked so hard. I feel like I owe it to myself and my family and the people around me to maximize my earnings. I’m definitely open to every scenario and every team. I just want to do what’s best for me at the end of the day.”

You can't blame Huff for looking to cash in on his first major payday, especially after producing the way he did this season. The Memphis product was the first edge rusher since Calvin Pace in 2013 to record double-digit sacks for New York.

The Jets have gone over a decade without a serious threat screaming off the edge. It would be silly for them to not pony up the money to retain their best pure pass-rusher. If they don't, some team on the open market surely will. Especially for an ascending 25-year-old coming off a career year.

The Jets also expect to be playing with more leads as Aaron Rodgers will be under center in 2024. Those scenarios would provide Huff with more opportunities to pin his ears back and get after the quarterback. That's something general manager Joe Douglas needs to seriously consider before Huff walks out of the building for good.