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UPDATE: Ian Rapoport is reporting the deal could earn Hyde as much as $4 million.
The Seattle Seahawks have been looking for running back depth, and they have found it in veteran free agent Carlos Hyde. The team is signing Hyde, according to all the major NFL media. Contract details are unclear for the moment.
Hyde provides insurance for a talented but banged up backfield. Chris Carson is coming off a hip injury, but is expected to be ready at or near Week 1, per Bob Condotta. Rashaad Penny tore his ACL last season and is a candidate to start the 2020 season on the PUP list, per Condotta.
Hyde was the Texans lead back last season, and while he came off the field a fair amount in passing situations, he had the first 1,000 yard season of his career. He finished 2019 with 1,070 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. he also caught 10 of 16 targets for 42 yards.
Carson also averaged 4.4 yards per carry, finishing with 1,230 yards in 15 games. He was a more regular part of the Seahawks passing game than Hyde, catching 37 of 47 targets for 266 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Penny rushed 65 times for 370 yards before tearing up his knee.
Hyde is a handcuff for Carson to start the season, but does not hold much value if Carson if Carson is healthy. For those hoping Marshawn Lynch might make a return engagement, that won’t be the case for the time being.