SF 49ers free agency: 5 role players Niners must re-sign in 2021

No. 1: SF 49ers EDGE Kerry Hyder

Few would have predicted the SF 49ers sack leader in 2020 through 11 weeks would be EDGE Kerry Hyder.

But that’s the case, as Hyder stands atop this all-important stat category with 5.5 after 10 games.

Yes, the Niners are anticipating getting EDGE Nick Bosa back from an ACL tear next season. Perhaps fellow EDGE Dee Ford returns from a back injury, too. Yet their respective absences showed just how important it is to have decent pass-rushing depth.

Aside from Hyder, San Francisco hasn’t exactly had this.

The problem was illustrated by the team attempting to get free-agent help with edge rushers Ezekiel Ansah and Takkarist McKinley, although neither are now on the active roster. With defensive end Ronald Blair still sidelined with a 2019 ACL tear, as well as a being pending free agent in 2021, there’s a good chance the SF 49ers will want to look elsewhere.

Perhaps no further than Hyder.

Hyder’s resurgence under defensive line coach Kris Kocurek could be an excellent reason why he wants to stay around next season, even if it’s more of a supplementary fill-in role.

Still, those players are vitally important, as 2020 is revealing.