Headline: New York Jets’ DE Bryce Huff Could Fill Micah Parsons Role for Washington Commanders
In an effort to bolster their defense, new Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is eyeing New York Jets’ free-agent DE Bryce Huff as a potential replacement for Micah Parsons. Huff has shown promise as a versatile edge-rusher, boasting a pass rush win rate of 23.8 percent, surpassing Parsons’ 21.8 percent, according to Pro Football Focus.
Quinn, known for his ability to utilize players creatively, could unlock Huff’s full potential by expanding his role on the field. During his time with the Dallas Cowboys, Quinn unleashed Parsons on opposing quarterbacks from various angles, resulting in two first-team All-Pro selections for the young linebacker. This is precisely the kind of impact the Commanders need after finishing last in points and yards allowed in the previous season.
The Commanders’ defense suffered a significant blow when defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat were traded mid-season, leaving a void in the pass rush. Huff, aware of his value, took to social media to express his disappointment at being excluded from Parsons’ list of top pass-rushers. With 10 sacks recorded in a situational role in 2023, along with impressive statistics such as 33 pressures, 12 hurries, and 10 QB knockdowns, Huff has proven his ability to make an impact on the field.
Beyond his statistics, Huff possesses the physical attributes necessary to thrive in Quinn’s defensive scheme. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 255 pounds, Huff shares a similar build to Parsons, allowing him to excel as a standup outside linebacker, traditional defensive end, or even from the inside. His refined pass-rushing technique, combining speed, elusiveness, and leverage, was on display during a sack against the New England Patriots in Week 18.
With the potential to become a dominant force in the league, Huff remains humble and confident in his abilities. He believes that over the next 5-10 years, his performance will speak for itself, solidifying his place among the top pass-rushers in the NFL. As the Commanders seek to rebuild their defense, acquiring Huff could be a crucial step towards revitalizing their pass rush and returning to dominance on the field.
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A player with Huff’s core skill will always command a high price on the open market. That’s where he’ll land, according to SNY.tv’s Connor Hughes, who rates it “wildly unlikely” the Jets bring Huff back: “If they wanted to do that, they should have signed him in season. They never so much as made a contract offer. Huff, as he should, is now focused on making as much money as possible on the free-agent market. He said himself there will be no hometown discount.”
The Commanders have the capital to pay Huff on par with his production. They also have a glaring need for a pass-rusher with the 25-year-old’s talents.
Dealing Young to the San Francisco 49ers and Sweat to the Chicago Bears earned the Commanders premium draft picks. Yet, those trades also left an already struggling defense bereft of pressure.
Improving this season’s tally of 39 sacks will be a focus for Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. The simplest way is to recruit pass-rushers who can win consistently.
Huff fits the bill, but there are other intriguing candidates also ticketed for free agency. Somebody like Miami Dolphins’ outside linebacker Jerome Baker is versatile enough to become another Parsons-type.
So is Josh Allen, a two-time Pro Bowler for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, one of Quinn’s former players, Cowboys’ end Dorance Armstrong Jr., is also worth considering.
A Commanders team projected by Spotrac.com to have $83,543,548 worth of space under the salary cap must add at least one premium pass-rusher this offseason. The closest to Parsons in skill will be worth the most money.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for
According to the Source heavy.com