For veterans that are looking to find a job, it’s getting late early on the NFL calendar. OTA workouts have kicked off across the league and with mandatory minicamp and training camp around the corner, time is running out for players currently on the free agent market.
That’s especially true for former Chicago Bears edge rusher DeMarcus Walker. The 30-year-old hit the free agent market at the conclusion of his contract this spring but is still looking for work as teams gather for OTAs. The urgency could particularly be setting in now that we’ve reached June as an NFL trade announced over the weekend deprived him and other edge rushers a potential destination.
Bryce Huff Trade Eliminates 49ers as a Potential Destination for DeMarcus Walker
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday that the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers are finalizing a trade involving edge rusher Bryce Huff. While Huff has reworked his contract to help facilitate the deal, which also includes a mid-round pick heading back to Philadelphia, the deal will not be completed until after June 1 for financial reasons.
ESPN sources: 49ers and Eagles are working to finalize a trade that will send edge rusher Bryce Huff to San Francisco for a mid-round pick. The trade cannot and would not be processed until after June 1. But both sides are working to make it happen, and Huff already has reworked… pic.twitter.com/FJeGc9Cfwx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 30, 2025
Huff’s departure from Philadelphia is not surprising even as he enters the second year of a three-year, $51.1 million contract signed in free agency. While he earned that deal by collecting 10 sacks and 67 quarterback pressures with the New York Giants in 2023, Huff’s pressure rate dropped from 20% to 12.1% last season according to Pro Football Focus and he was a healthy scratch in the Eagles’ Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 49ers may not have been a destination for Walker as Huff’s previous relationship with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh likely was a reason for the trade. But it’s another spot Walker can cross off the list as he looks for a new team for 2025.
Walker spent the last two years with the Bears but he had as many sacks the previous two seasons (7.0) as he had in the final year with the Tennessee Titans in 2022. While Walker started 42 games for Chicago during that timeframe, he had a modest impact, logging a 9.6% pressure rate.
With the signing of Dayo Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat already on the opposite side, Walker moved on this offseason but is still looking for a job. The 49ers coming off the board isn’t a positive development in his search and it could leave Walker on the sidelines as next year approaches.