49ers $17 M EDGE Star Confirms Exit After Pay-Cut Plea Rejected

San Francisco, California — The San Francisco 49ers have made a major roster decision in the offseason by releasing edge rusher Bryce Huff, sources confirm the move finalized after the veteran's request for a pay cut or contract restructure was rejected by the front office.

Huff, who was acquired via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in June 2025 and carries a significant cash obligation tied to his original three-year, $51.1 million deal (with $17.1 million cash due in 2026), had his time in San Francisco impacted by injuries and performance inconsistencies. A notable hamstring injury sidelined him for multiple weeks in 2025, contributing to a season where he recorded only four sacks (none after Week 7), disrupting expectations for the pass rush after Nick Bosa's own season-ending injury earlier in the year.

The release saves the 49ers approximately $5.4 million in cap space for 2026, though they will incur limited dead money implications depending on timing (potentially post-June 1 designation for optimized savings). This strategic cut addresses the team's tight cap constraints and allows flexibility for roster upgrades as they aim for sustained contention amid ongoing financial pressures.

Huff's 2025 campaign was hampered by the hamstring setback, described internally as a nagging issue that made his availability and production a "moving target." He was limited or absent during key stretches, forcing San Francisco to rely on a patchwork edge group including rookies and depth pieces, which affected the defensive line's overall flow despite flashes of his speed and power off the edge.

Prior to the challenges, Huff was viewed as a dynamic pass rusher with quickness, bend, and burst, brought in to bolster the defense after his productive tenure elsewhere. However, the injury recovery timeline, combined with his age (turning 28 in 2026) and the looming $17 million cash hit (with $5.4 million cap number but high actual payout), made the situation untenable. Reports indicate Huff proposed a pay reduction or restructure to remain in the Bay Area, but the 49ers declined, prioritizing cap relief and roster balance over the injury and performance risks.

Despite his upside as a versatile EDGE when healthy, the underwhelming 2025 output and lack of consistent contributions led to this tough but necessary call from the front office. The 49ers now look to refresh the edge rusher group through the draft, free agency, or emerging talents like Mykel Williams and other young defenders.

While Huff’s stint in San Francisco was brief and marked by high expectations unmet due to injuries, his release following the rejected pay-cut plea marks the end of the road in the Bay Area. At 28 years old, Huff hits free agency with undeniable talent as a speedy pass rusher, but questions about consistency and health may limit suitors.

He could still be a valuable veteran addition for teams seeking edge depth — provided a clean bill of health and a return to form. For the 49ers, the move unlocks vital resources as they reshape the roster under GM John Lynch, focusing on health, youth infusion, and pushing for another strong playoff push in 2026.

As Huff eyes his next opportunity, the 49ers continue their evolution, committed to cap-smart decisions and building a squad ready to compete at the highest level.