Falcons 'Perfect' Fit for Jets Edge Rusher Bryce Huff?

With a need for pass rushers, the Atlanta Falcons are being viewed as a possible suitor for soon-to-be free agent Bryce Huff.

After spending big last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons once again seem set to do it again in this year's free agency.

With the legal tampering period, which will officially mark the start of free agency, just days away, a recent article from Pro Football Focus has named the Falcons a "perfect" fit for current New York Jets edge rusher Bryce Huff. 

"Bryce Huff was a rotational player for the Jets, but he was an absolute weapon off the edge," PFF writes. "He finished tied for ninth in the NFL in pass-rush grade and trailed only Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons in pass-rush win rate. The Falcons could offer Huff the chance to play close to full-time if they can afford him."

East Rutherford, NJ December 3, 2023 -- Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder gets rid of the ball as he s pursued by Bryce Huff of the Jets in the second half. The Atlanta Falcons topped the NY Jets 13-8 at MetLife Stadium on December 3, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ :: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

According to OverTheCap's projections, the Falcons have $37 million in available cap space this offseason. However, their quarterback need could see a big piece of that proverbial pie taken, especially if they end up signing current Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. This begs the question of Huff's price tag.

According to Spotrac, Huff's market value is projected to be $9.2 million annually, and they predict he'll receive a four-year deal worth $36 million. Is this too much for the Falcons to commit to an edge rusher like Huff, who hasn't been a full-time starter yet? 

That is possible, especially if the Falcons commit long-term to a quarterback like Cousins. However, after a season where the 25-year-old didn't start a single game for the Jets, Huff still managed to have a career year, totaling 29 tackles, 10 for a loss, 10 sacks, and 21 quarterback hits. Combine that with a pass-rush win rate of 22 percent, according to ESPN, and you can certainly see why the Falcons would be in the market for Huff.

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Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell's status is up in the air, as they are both currently set to hit free agency. That's two of last offseason's signings who may not return. This means the Falcons may not only need to replace them but also add on.

If the money works out for both sides, it'd be easy to see why the Falcons could be the "perfect" fit for Huff.