Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who could possibly be moved at the NFL trade deadline

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner #99 and defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers react after a defensive stop during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner #99 and defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers react after a defensive stop during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 12: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 12: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Running Back Carlos Hyde

49ers running back Carlos Hyde is on pace to crest 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his four-year career — averaging 80.3 yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry, both of which are career highs.

So why would San Francisco want to move its best offensive weapon?

Hyde has adjusted well to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. One can only think how good his numbers would be if the Niners had a passing game to balance out the overall scheme, but that’s little more than a “what if?” scenario at this point.

Considering all things, though, Hyde just turned 27 years old. Already having dealt with multiple injuries, we can probably assume Hyde has two or three more good years left in him.

That might be the length of time it takes before the 49ers are back to being regular playoff contenders.

He certainly knows where the Niners are, rebuild-wise, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him want to finish out his career with a contender — perhaps a team in need of runners, like the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions or Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hyde will also be a free agent after this season, further prompting general manager John Lynch to possibly want to get something in return.

Why It Makes Sense

Head coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner have found gems of running backs in the NFL Draft before, although rookie tailback Joe Willams (IR — ankle) didn’t exactly pan out in 2017.

Still, the possibility of a Shanahan-Turner search in 2018 could make Hyde expendable. Especially if Williams develops and/or No. 2 tailback Matt Breida increases his stock value.

Plus, Hyde’s injury issues might be enough to convince the 49ers brass another option would be better, negating the need to re-sign Hyde and instead look to move him at a point where his stock is as high as it’s been over his pro career.

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Why It Doesn’t

Williams has been a disappointment, and the thought of moving San Francisco’s best offensive weapon thus far would seemingly point the offense in the wrong direction.

Remember, the Niners need to add talent, not lose it.

Plus, Hyde is showing his ability to effectively thrive in Shanahan’s offense despite not having a lot of weapons around him. If San Francisco is able to find some additional playmakers on this side of the ball, re-signing Hyde this offseason would solve one more need Shanahan and Co. have after 2017.

It’s important to remember NFL trade deadline deals rarely happen. It’s not like the blockbusters we read about in MLB, the NHL or even the NBA.

Next: 49ers progress-report grades after first quarter of 2017

And there are certainly cons associated with each possible move, which makes general manager John Lynch’s job all the more difficult.