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Redskins: 3 running backs to target on the free agent market in 2018

By Jacob Camenker

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers eludes Bryce Hager #54, Isaiah Johnson #27 and Carlos Thompson #53 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers eludes Bryce Hager #54, Isaiah Johnson #27 and Carlos Thompson #53 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

42. . Running Back. San Francisco 49ers. Carlos Hyde. 2. player

On the surface, Carlos Hyde isn’t anything more than a decent running back. In San Francisco, he has never been able to reach 1,000 yards, though he came close to the mark in 2016. In 2017, Hyde ran fairly well, but his numbers were merely decent. Hyde averaged 3.9 yards per carry, but he was a red zone hammer and also recorded a career high 59 catches and 350 receiving yards. For that reason, he should garner interest on the market.

Also, it’s worth noting that the 49ers offensive line wasn’t particularly good during the 2017 season. They completely lacked talent on the interior of the offensive line, as their guards were mediocre while their center play was awful. If they had upgraded personnel, Hyde could have had a better season. Of course, it’s also worth noting that backup Matt Breida averaged 4.4 yards per carry, so perhaps that is an indictment on Hyde.

Either way, Hyde is a player who could fit in with the Redskins. The Redskins need a three down back, and Hyde has the makings of one. Should he struggle as a pass catcher, Chris Thompson could continue serving as the top receiving back for the team. So, that pairing would make a lot of sense.

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Also, it’s worth noting that Hyde definitely would be an upgrade over the duo of Rob Kelley and Samaje Perine. Kelley is looking more and more like a limited backup who can’t stay healthy and should only be used in short yardage situations. He is strong and can fall forward, but he’s not good enough to function as a featured writing. Meanwhile, Perine has upside, especially in zone running concepts, but he profiles more as a backup.

Hyde, playing with an improved offensive line like the unit that the Redskins have, should be better and more consistent than both of the options the team currently has. Furthermore, Hyde is still relatively young, as he won’t turn 28 until midway through the season. Yes, there are injury concerns with him, but he still would be a worthwhile investment.

The best part about Hyde is that he probably won’t command a hefty salary. Hyde would likely sign for $4.5-$6 million annually, which is solid value on the current running back market. If a team is looking for a cheaper alternative with high-level upside, Hyde would qualify. For that reason, the Redskins should at least look into signing Hyde as their featured runner if they have the resources to do so.

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