Texans should take a look at Carlos Hyde in free agency
There is some uncertainty in the Houston Texans backfield. Alfred Blue is due to become a free agent and can sign elsewhere. Lamar Miller is the seventh-highest paid running back in the league and his production does not warrant that type of contract. (The Miller situation was discussed more in depth in a December article). D’Onta Foreman appears to be the heir apparent to the starting running back position. With his torn Achilles he might not be ready for the start of the season. This puts the Texans in a situation where they need to sign another running back. That running back can be Carlos Hyde.
Hyde has become a productive running back after stumbling out of the gate his first two seasons. Coming close to 1,000 yard seasons in back-to-back years is a good sign for his future production. Hyde started all 16 games for the 49ers, essentially putting to bed any concern about his health. Hyde was also able to show his versatilty in the passing game last season. With 59 receptions for 350 yards, Hyde can be the pass catching back the Texans need.
On one hand there is concern about Hyde’s age. Hyde is 27 years old. On the other hand Hyde will only be entering his fifth NFL season in 2018. Hyde’s 439 carries is a relatively small number for a fourth-year running back. This means there is still a lot left in the tank and the number of hits he has absorbed is minimal.
If the Texans decide to move on from Miller and do not bring back Blue, Hyde is an intriguing option. He can provide balance with Foreman. The tandem of Foreman and Hyde would be quite formidable. Houston could deploy sets with both backs on the field would which cause headaches for opposing defenses. This would also open up opportunities for Deshaun Watson to make plays, which would make the Texans offense nearly unstoppable. Of course this is all predicated on moving on from both Miller and Blue. Hyde can be a good transitional running back as Foreman grows as an NFL player and provide support for Watson. Both of which would be good for the future of the Texans and their offensive cornerstones.