Roseman: 'Huff Was Coming Along, But Have To Do What's Right'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman addressed the media on Thursday, discussing the team's decision to release wide receiver Josh Huff following his arrest on Tuesday.
Roseman said the decision to release the third-year receiver was made collectively by owner Jeffrey Lurie, president Don Smolenski, head coach Doug Pederson, and himself.
Huff, 25, had just 13 catches for 72 yards this season, but did have a key 98-yard kick return in the Eagles' Week 7 win over the Vikings.
"There's no doubt that he was coming along as a player and that he helps this team, but we have to do what's in the best interest of this organization and the 63 guys," Roseman said. "We have a big responsibility to a lot of people here and we don't take that lightly.
Related: Brandon Graham Confident In Josh Huff Turning Things Around
"For us, we just felt based on the circumstances and the facts involved, it was the right decision for our football team."
Roseman said the "facts" and "circumstances" were different for Huff than there were for Nigel Bradham, who allegedly assaulted a hotel employee in July and was reportedly arrested at Miami International Airport in October on a concealed weapons charge.
"We have to each of these separately, examine the facts that we have, and go through a process and then make a decision that's in the best interest in the organization," Roseman said.
"It's disappointing that we have to stand up here and do this, but we're trying to build something and we're trying to build something that lasts. And some of that means that we're going to have to make some hard decisions. And all we can do is do what we think is right for the Philadelphia Eagles."
Less than 24 hours prior, Pederson said "as of now, Huff will play on Sunday vs. the Giants." Roseman says Pederson is on board with the team's decision to release Huff.
"Our number priority is to do what is right for this team and coach is one hundred percent on board with doing this."
Roseman said he expects Huff's roster spot to be filled by Sunday.
