Jets Won't Give Bryce Huff $21.3M Franchise Tag Ahead of 2024 NFL Free Agency

The NFL franchise tag deadline is on the horizon, and New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas provided some insight into how the team intends to use the tag while speaking with reporters on Wednesday.

The Jets do not intend to use the franchise tag on free-agent defensive end Bryce Huff, Douglas said, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The tag for defensive ends in 2024 is worth $21.3 million.

"Obviously, Bryce is an outstanding player," Douglas said, per NJ.com's Darryl Slater. "He definitely deserves this opportunity to see where he is in the open market. The plan right now is not to franchise tag Bryce."

It sure sounds like the Jets are prepared to lose Huff in free agency, though that doesn't come as much of a surprise as New York has already invested heavily in its front seven.

Last offseason, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams signed a four-year, $96 million extension that includes $66 million guaranteed, and linebacker C.J. Mosley also signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the franchise in 2019.

Additionally, the Jets have numerous holes to plug this offseason, most notably on the offensive line, and even with the increased salary cap in 2024, the team will still have to prioritize certain areas aside from the defensive line.

Huff should generate a good amount of interest in free agency following a solid career with the Jets. Spotrac projects his market value at four years and $36.8 million ($9.2 million annually).

However, it's unclear which franchises might express interest in signing him.

The 25-year-old signed with Gang Green as an undrafted free agent out of Memphis in 2020 and he put together a breakout 2023 campaign, emerging as one of the team's most disruptive defenders.

Huff posted 10 sacks, one pass breakup, 29 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 21 quarterback hits in 17 games.