3 players SF 49ers must offer extensions to in 2021

No. 2: SF 49ers EDGE Kerry Hyder

Cheating a little bit with this one since EDGE Kerry Hyder was only signed to a one-year deal in 2020 and is technically an unrestricted free agent this March, but the SF 49ers front office needs to stop wasting time and extend him right away before he even gets a whiff of free agency.

Will Hyder demand more than the mere $1.25 million he made in 2020? Without a doubt. Does he have any right to? Absolutely. Hyder was one of the Niners’ biggest bright spots during a horrid 2020 season filled with injuries and let-downs, in which he led the team with 8.5 sacks in 14 starts, and even managed to chip in 18 quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and 49 total tackles.

Not bad for a guy making virtually less than every other defensive lineman on the team.

Hyder has been somewhat of a journeyman throughout his career, previously playing with the NY Jets, Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions. Hyder had 10 sacks combined in his previous five seasons and was almost able to match that number this year alone in San Francisco.

If they can, with his injuries an obstacle, the Niners should cut ties with EDGE Dee Ford and roll out Hyder for the 2021 season instead. Sure, Ford is a better overall player than Hyder. But the former’s inability to stay healthy makes him virtually useless to San Francisco’s pass-rushing unit. Imagine how much better Hyder would be with opposing teams focusing on Nick Bosa when he returns from his ACL tear. Fans would be absolutely ecstatic to see Hyder back in the building in 2021.

Sign Hyder to a two-year deal worth about $8 million a year.