4 SF 49ers who helped 2021 free-agent value with win vs. Cardinals
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: SF 49ers EDGE Kerry Hyder
San Francisco wasn’t initially supposed to rely on depth EDGE Kerry Hyder as its leading sack leader in 2020. But because of all the injuries this season at the position, Hyder has suddenly emerged as the SF 49ers’ best pass-rusher.
Hyder’s individual performance in Week 16 was good enough, notching one of the Niners’ two sacks on Kyler Murray in the game and posting two more quarterback hurries.
Those alone are solid. But it’s the fact Hyder ended up breaking a career-best record in sacks set back with the Detroit Lions in 2016 with eight.
His one sack in Week 16 brought his 2020 sack total up to 8.5, which both sets a career-high and team-high this season.
It’s pretty clear Hyder thrives under defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, who was tutoring him back in Detroit, and one can figure the pass-rusher’s value to San Francisco only increased for 2021 when he’s scheduled to hit free agency.
Hyder might not have the same kind of success elsewhere as long as Kocurek is with the SF 49ers.
But at least Hyder could ask for a bit more cash when contract negotiations kick off.