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5 Reasons why the 49ers won’t release running back Carlos Hyde

By Peter Panacy

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates after running in a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates after running in a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Carlos Hyde Enters a Contract Year

Another factor working into the equation is Carlos Hyde enters the final year of his rookie contract.

This is a bit of a double-edged sword, as the 49ers could part ways with Hyde and not feel any significant financial ramifications of him being released a year early.

Not as if the Niners have cap problems anyway.

Still, contract years often bring out the most competitive nature within players. It’s important to remember the NFL is, essentially, a league made up of independent contractors. Players are only as good as their last levels of production, and each contract year is little more than a “prove it” season before that next offseason deal.

Hyde has to know the 49ers aren’t entirely enamored with the idea of keeping him around long term. But 31 other teams may be intrigued.

Meanwhile, San Francisco can let Hyde’s motivation speak measures to Kyle Shanahan’s offense which, in turn, may convince other free agents to want to join the Niners in 2018 and beyond.