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San Francisco 49ers: Pros & Cons for re-signing Carlos Hyde this offseason

By Peter Panacy

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers is seen during pregame warm ups against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 07: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers is seen during pregame warm ups against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on December 7, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 01: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field for warm ups before the start 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: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field for warm ups before the start 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) /

Conclusion

No, I’m not going to simply say the 49ers pass on re-signing Carlos Hyde so they can jump at the opportunity to land Penn State tailback Saquon Barkley in Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft.

One, that’s too easy. Two, getting a running back that high doesn’t jive with Kyle Shanahan’s style.

So what happens?

According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, general manager John Lynch has already reached out to Hyde’s camp to talk extensions. That’s a good sign and a clear indication the Niners are impressed with Hyde’s work and long-term fit in the future.

But it’s cloudier than just contract chatter.

Re-signing Hyde will cost considerably money — cash the 49ers have. And it removes what would be a pressing need for Lynch and Co. this offseason. Yet we’re leaving something out here.

Does Hyde even want to return?

Keep in mind everything previously discussed here. Hyde has, what, three more good years in his body? That’s probably the length of time the 49ers’ rebuild will take. Factor in what has been a bad offensive line the past few seasons with no clear indications it will get better, Hyde may want to explore other options.

As La Canfora points out, there is a steep drop off in NFL Draft running back talent after Saquon Barkley. Free agency might be the avenue some tailback-hungry teams take.

That drives Hyde’s price range up even further, and he could easily use the 49ers as leverage.

Prediction

I hate to say it, but I think Hyde departs the 49ers this offseason. Him leaving will be less of the Niners wanting him back, rather the running back electing to spend the final years of his career with a contender.

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And with a number of teams in better situations than San Francisco and in need of a top running back, Hyde should have no shortage of suitors.

If the Niners are able to bring Hyde back and he performs well, awesome. That’s one more piece to the puzzle.

Next: 5 things the 49ers must do during their Week 11 bye

Just don’t go bet anything significant on it happening.