Chicago Bears: Bargain free agent running backs to consider
By Ryan Heckman
Carlos Hyde
Look, if the Jacksonville Jaguars traded a fifth-round pick for a guy they’re going to hardly use and then dump after half a season, there might be a problem. However, if Carlos Hyde is healthy, he’s absolutely worth a speculative add. Let’s not forget that as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Hyde was a productive back when healthy.
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He rushed for over 900 yards in back-to-back years for the 2016 and 2017 campaigns. Despite not receiving a ton of targets, Hyde functioned well as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and always seemed like a guy who would finally bust loose if given a full bill of health and the right offensive system. That was the issue, though. Hyde only played 16 games once in his 4-year career with the 49ers.
At this point in his career, Hyde will function best as part of a two-back system. Five years into his career and a few injuries along the way, his price tag will be much lower than his fellow free agents. This is exactly the kind of signing that could pan out for the Bears. I will say this, though: Hyde has to stay healthy. If not, the Bears will be stuck if they do indeed deal Howard.
For that reason, Hyde is the riskiest player on this list. Yes, even more than this next veteran free agent.