2018 NFL free agency: Predicting which players the 49ers re-sign or let walk
By Peter Panacy
Running Back Carlos Hyde
Ah, yes. Another tough question.
Should the 49ers bring back No. 1 running back Carlos Hyde? Or will they let him test the free-agent market, therefore allowing Kyle Shanahan to go with a younger, cheaper option in the backfield?
There are arguments for both sides. We talked about them earlier.
Related Story: Pros & cons of the 49ers re-signing Carlos Hyde
On one hand, Hyde seemed to thrive in Shanahan’s offense, leading all offensive players in yards from scrimmage (1,288). But Hyde will also turn 28 years old early this season. With an injury history of his own, would the Niners be willing to open up the bank on an aging veteran?
Hyde indicated he’d like to be back in 2018. And with a weak running back free-agent market, thanks largely to a deep crop of NFL-ready draft-eligible tailbacks, the 49ers could likely get Hyde on a discounted deal.
But would they want to?
Probably not, especially considering Shanahan’s knack for finding mid-to-late-round gems during the draft itself. No. 2 49ers running back Matt Breida, an undrafted free agent, is a prime example.
Prediction: The 49ers make an offer, but it’s not to Carlos Hyde’s liking and he elects to sign on with a team that will feature him in a one-player starting role. Not a dual-back system.