49ers: Making the call on San Francisco's free agents in 2018

Re-sign or let walk: Making the call on 49ers’ free agents in 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

8 of 14

GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers in overtime 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Running Back Carlos Hyde

Veteran running back Carlos Hyde sure is a unique topic when discussing extensions. On one hand, it’s easy to see why the Niners would let him walk this offseason, especially after drafting former Utah tailback Joe Williams and seeing the maturation of rookie free agent Matt Breida.

That makes Hyde expendable, right?

Well, not so fast. Even though the stats haven’t exactly piled up for Hyde — not his fault, if he’s only averaging a little over 14 carries per game — the 27 year old is in the middle of his prime and has stayed relatively injury free this season.

Of course, if the 49ers were willing to let linebacker NaVorro Bowman walk, that meant Hyde was next. Again, not exactly.

According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, during the aforementioned appearance on KNBR 680, the Niners were engaging in long-term contract talks with Hyde.

So there you go, Hyde probably stays.

Prediction: Re-signed