5 trade candidates the 49ers may move before the regular season

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) takes the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) takes the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

No. 1: Running Back Carlos Hyde

The other day, I wrote a piece on why the 49ers won’t release Carlos Hyde this season — merely to snuff out some of the Twitter suggestions and comments I had been reading.

Related Story: Why the 49ers won't release Carlos Hyde

We know the story — Hyde isn’t the hand-picked tailback of this new regime. Fourth-round draftee Joe Williams is. And while the idea of a two-headed monster is both enticing and practical, the earlier signs of San Francisco’s brass being frustrated with Hyde isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement.

Hyde enters a contract year this season — essentially a prove-it year where he’ll be expected to finally crest 1,000 rushing yards.

Even if he does, do the Niners envision him as a legitimate part of their future plans beyond 2017?

More from Niner Noise

Yes, Hyde remains one of the best assets on San Francisco’s roster, which is why I personally don’t think a move takes place. But there’s an equally worthy argument to move him via a trade as well.

The reason is Hyde still has notable value, one of only a handful of 49ers who do. It’s possible the 49ers could move him for a third-round pick, maybe even a conditional second if he breaks 1,000 yards.

Next: Predicting 49ers' unit and player awards for 2017 season

If San Francisco doesn’t view Hyde as a part of the future, it makes sense the team would try to get something for him while it can.