Carlos Hyde: How the 49ers running back became such a paradox in 2017

San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde faces a major turning point in his career this season. In many ways, he’s turned into the ultimate paradox for a Niners team in transition.

How much is running back Carlos Hyde in the San Francisco 49ers’ future plans?

It’s a good question.

On one hand, Hyde is one of the few legitimate offensive weapons an otherwise questionable Niners offense boasts heading into 2017. The former second-round pick of the previous San Francisco regime back in 2014 has shown flashes of greatness — signs he could truly be a No. 1 bell cow.

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But on the other, Hyde has been frustrating. He has yet to crest 1,000 rushing yards over his career, which has been marked more by unfortunate injury than consistent production.

Heading into a contract year in 2017, the 49ers are faced with a serious decision. Should Hyde remain a part of the team’s plans beyond this season? Or is it best to move on and, if so, how?

A short while ago, I suggested over at 49ers Webzone Hyde could be one player the Niners may trade as early as the preseason. Hyde has unquestionable value. And if he’s not part of the team’s long-term plans any longer, why not try to get something out of him in return now?

The suggestion wasn’t popular with everyone, prompting one Twitter keyboard guy to call me “stupid.”

Whether you think it’s foolish or not is up to you. But to ignore the fact the Niners face this tough decision is silly.

Here’s why it’s a paradox.

The Argument for Keeping Carlos Hyde

I’ll openly state I’d be happy if the 49ers kept Hyde beyond 2017 if there were legitimate signs of him thriving in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

It’s possible this happens.

Former CSN Authentic and Bleacher Report featured columnist Dylan DeSimone talked how Hyde has been more of a victim of poor run blocking than anything else. It’s a worthy read and explains more about Hyde’s ability to elude tackles amid a terrible run-blocking offensive line the last few years.

Among active running backs, nobody had a better Elusive Rating last year than #49ers Carlos Hyde. (>25% of snaps) pic.twitter.com/BUMEKJ02dm
— PFF (@PFF) August 10, 2016

Indeed, the Niners O-line ranked dead last in run support last year, per Football Outsiders.

One could easily make the case Hyde would be a 1,000-plus yard rusher if San Francisco’s O-line was better in this area. He’d likely avoid heavier contact from bigger-bodied defensive linemen if this particular 49ers unit was adequately doing its job, thus negating the increased risk of serious injury.

And there’s another argument in Hyde’s favor too — the dual threat Shanahan likely wants in 2017.

It’s a point made by Jerod Brown of Niners Wire, who actually argued Hyde would be a solid complimentary back to rookie draftee, Joe Williams.

Maybe this is the case. Possibly not one Hyde would prefer, but one worth considering at least.

San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

The Argument against Keeping Carlos Hyde

Williams has the distinct advantage of being a hand-picked selection by Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner — a move which, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, could indicate Williams unseats Hyde as soon as Week 1 this season.

It’s likely not a situation Hyde would enjoy. Hitting the open market in 2018, Hyde would be a sought-after commodity and could command $3 million to $4 million per season on the open market.

This probably rules out San Francisco re-signing Hyde this offseason, especially if he’s merely going to be a No. 2 tailback. The same goes for an extension.

But what if the 49ers elect to keep Hyde and let him walk via free agency?

Well, that’s a real possibility. Yet if one is hoping the Niners are looking for a compensatory pick in return, it’s worth noting the team would have to suffer a net loss in qualifying free agents to make this happen.

Armed with an estimated $116.2 million in cap space in 2018 (including this season’s rollover), one would think San Francisco would bring in more free agents than they would lose.

So a comp pick looks unlikely, meaning Hyde likely walks for nothing in return.

With a rebuild in full swing, the 49ers could use all the assets they could get.

What to Expect from the 49ers

Hyde is a trade commodity before the regular season, although a gut feeling points to him still being on the roster in Week 1.

There are a few reasons for this.

Even though John Lynch made references to expecting more from Hyde this season, the Niners general manager has already been up front with trade rumors with other players this offseason.

Look no further than those associated with tight end Vance McDonald.

If Hyde was indeed on the trading block, it’s likely we would have heard about it by now. Sure, an offer the 49ers can’t refuse may be just around the corner. But nothing of the sort right now suggests it’s less of a possibility and more speculation.

Additionally, Williams could very well be in San Francisco’s future. Yet if one subscribes to the thought the Niners won’t be particularly good, offensively, this season, why subject the rookie to all sorts of wear and tear his first season, therefore shortening his durability tenure at the NFL level?

A guess would point to the 49ers being open to trade talks but not actively shopping Hyde right away.

But the overall paradox is whether or not Lynch and Co. want to “sell high” and invest in the team’s future.

Next: Predicting 49ers' running back depth chart in 2017

Or risk getting nothing back at all.

How Carlos Hyde became such a paradox for the 49ers in 2017

By Peter Panacy | Jul 21, 2017