Bryce Huff’s run defense and a big decision for the New York Jets

Will the Jets keep Huff?

New York Jets edge defender Bryce Huff enjoyed a breakout season this year. And even better for Huff? He did it in the season before he hits free agency, maximizing his market value. Let’s take a deeper dive into that breakout with grades from PFF.

• Overall grade: 79.7 (27th overall for edge rushers on 481 snaps)
• Pass rush grade: 86.8 (10th overall for edge rushers on 334 snaps))
• Coverage grade: 68.2 but only had 13 snaps of it so I’m not sure how much that really tells us
• Rush defense grade: 48.1 (outside of the top 100 for edge rushers on 134 snaps)

A quick look at those numbers tells us what the eye test was already telling many: Huff is a major asset as a pass rusher and a detriment in the run game.

Alot of times that kind of skill divide doesn’t necessarily matter. A team would just pay him a good chunk of money and ask him to perform the role in which he excels. The problem? Huff wants to be a three down player which would require him to play the rush more.

Beyond that? Huff has no plans to sign cheap.

Given Huff’s pass rush ability, someone is likely going to be willing to pay him a very pretty penny. PFF’s estimate for Huff has his deal at “Three years, $40 million ($13.33 million per year), $28 million total guaranteed.” I personally think that deal is a little light (I think he gets 16 a year), but even if that were correct then it would set Huff up with an average contract that ranks around the top 20 for edge rushers. That’s a big deal to justify for a player who may always be a liability in the run game.

To make matters worse? The Jets defense is currently far worse against the run than the pass. Giving Huff more reps could further that issue, leaving them even more vulnerable against teams that are willing to run the ball.

All of this creates a complex set of variables. It’s probably going to be one of the most difficult decisions that GM Joe Douglas has to make this offseason. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. What would you do?