Deciding whether to give Jimmy Garoppolo a long-term deal or buy some time with the franchise tag isn’t the only big decision that awaits the 49ers this offseason. Of the 19 49ers that are due for free agency, Matt Maiocco told John Lund and Kevin Frandsen he believes the chances of seeing Eric Reid and Carlos Hyde with San Francisco next season are slim.
“My thought is it’s probably less than a 50 percent chance that either one of those guys come back,” Maiocco said.
“I think that, as much as they like both of those guys, I don’t know if it makes much sense for them to go all in and sign them regardless of asking price or role,” Maiocco said. “I know they like both of those guys, but they like them in roles where those guys might not necessarily land big-time free agent money. So, I think the market will determine whether those guys come back, but I think the 49ers are definitely open to bringing both of them back.”
This year was Reid’s fifth season in the NFL, each of which he spent with the 49ers. As a rookie in 2013, Reid was selected to the Pro Bowl after making four interceptions and recovering two fumbles.
“In the case of Reid, I think the market will be pretty soft for him. I think the 49ers won’t have to blow him out of the water with any kind of offer,” Maiocco said. “I think they can wait and see and determine if he might come back on a one-year deal.”
Reid missed all but one game from 2013-2015, but over the past two seasons he’s been held by back by injuries. In 2016, Reid tore his right biceps after playing in 10 games and this season he’s missed three weeks with a left knee injury.
Another factor that could impact Reid’s market is his continued protest during the playing of the national anthem. After seeing how Colin Kaepernick’s career faired after he was the first to protest, Reid is prepared to follow in the footsteps of his close friend, even if it sacrifices his NFL career.
“With the running back position, as nice of a season as Carlos Hyde had, I think they want more play-making ability from that position,” Maiocco said. “They still like Joe Williams, who basically had a red-shirt year, and I think they see that play-making ability from him. They can always add somebody from the draft and they like Matt Breida.
Hyde made his NFL debut the season after Reid made his. Hyde appeared in 14 games in 2014 and started seven games the following year before a foot injury ended his season. Nonetheless, Hyde’s strong performance secured him the starting running back role from 2016-2017. However, Hyde is 27-years-old whereas Matt Breida (22) and Joe Williams (24) both present younger options at running back and the NFL Draft remains an option for the 49ers to solidify that role.
Listen to the full interview below.