Ebony Bird
FanSided

Baltimore Ravens: Potential replacements for Kenneth Dixon

By Richard Bradshaw

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 18: Running back Terrance West #28 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 18: Running back Terrance West #28 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde /

Carlos Hyde:

Oh look, another running back who can’t seem to stay healthy.

Before you go to the comments and start yelling at me, hear me out. Yes, Carlos Hyde has missed 14 games in his three-year career, but last season he grabbed 988 rushing yards in 13 games. He also had an outstanding 4.6 YPC in 2016 and has a career 4.3 YPC. He did all of that while pretty much being the only viable threat the 49ers had in 2016.

Hyde brings flexibility to the offense, and at 6’0″ 235 lbs, he could be a guy who would see touches near the goal line. Hyde can also contribute as a receiver. In 2016, he had 23 receptions and turned in three receiving touchdowns.

More from Ebony Bird

Hyde seems to be in a similar position as Ryan Mathews. A new front office and coaching regime has come to the bay area and with it comes tons of competition for starting gigs. It has recently been made public that head coach Kyle Shanahan favors rookie running back Joe Williams over Hyde, and that Hyde might not even make the 53-man roster.

Hyde could very well be another guy the Ravens could snatch up as a free agent.

Even if the Ravens had to trade for Hyde, it isn’t likely they’d have to give up much of anything. The new front offense has made it clear they don’t value him and would likely take anything they could get in return for him. Or, the Ravens could let him hit free agency and attempt to snag him.

If the Ravens really want Hyde, they could trade a late draft pick to acquire him. But with one year left on his contract, it would be a smarter move to real him in via free agency. This move wouldn’t likely be popular among fans, but he’s just 25-years old and has tons of upside. I would be 100% on board with this move, though the fan base would likely be split.

Fan reaction: 5

Home/Ravens News