Two days after releasing veteran linebacker NaVorro Bowman, a report surfaced that the 49ers might be looking to move another big name before the trade deadline — running back Carlos Hyde.
A short time later, however, ESPN’s Adam Schefter contradicted that report, saying that “there has been speculation that the 49ers could trade running back Carlos Hyde, but the team hasn’t had any trade talks involving him and does not plan to have any, according to a team source.”
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network went even further Monday morning, reporting on KNBR’s Murph & Mac show that not only are the 49ers not looking to offload Hyde, but that the two parties are working on a long-term contract extension to keep the running back in San Francisco.
“I don’t see any smoke or fire in this case,” Rapoport said. “I mean I know there was an internet report or whatever that is, but they’re in talks for a long-term extension, so I would have a very hard time believing a team would say ‘alright Carlos Hyde, we’re making you an offer. You’re going to be our long-term running back…or we just trade you and get a draft pick.’ That doesn’t mesh.
“Teams are judged by their actions, and the 49ers’ actions right now are trying to sign Carlos Hyde to a long-term contract. I mean is there a price for everyone? Yeah. I imagine if they got a first-round pick for him, they would probably take it, but I don’t see that happening either. To me this is a guy the 49ers believe is a part of their future.”
Hyde, 26, has been solid in his first season under head coach/offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, averaging 4.2 yards per carry with four touchdowns, and is currently ranked 10th in the NFL in total rushing yards. On the other hand, Pro Football Focus, which grades every player on every play, has Hyde ranked has the the second least effective rusher in the NFL this year among the 52 qualifying players.
Hyde’s four-year rookie contract will be up after this season.
Listen to the full interview below. To hear Rapoport’s comments on Hyde, skip to the 7:00 mark.