49ers bolster pass rush, bringing back Hyder to line
After trading DeForest Buckner to the Colts and losing Nick Bosa and Dee Ford to season-ending injuries in 2020, the San Francisco 49ers’ pass rush took a significant step backward.
The absences created opportunities, and the player who made the most of his was journeyman Kerry Hyder Jr., who enjoyed a career year with a team-high 8.5 sacks.
Hyder cashed in on his production with a threeyear, $16.5 million deal with the Seahawks last offseason, but after just one season in Seattle, the defensive tackle is back with the 49ers after reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with San Francisco.
ESPN first reported the 49ers’ reunion with Hyder.
Hyder was cut last week as part of the Seahawks’ offseason overhaul and will reunite with 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, who helped unlock his potential in an impressive 2020 season. Hyder was one of the most consistent players for a team that dealt with significant injury issues and had its depth exposed.
According to ESPN, Hyder will receive $750,000 in guaranteed money and could earn an additional $750,000 in sack incentives.
Hyder’s return should help the 49ers cover for the loss of D.J. Jones, a standout against the run who started 42 games for San Francisco over the last three seasons before signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Broncos this offseason.
Hyder’s versatility is one of the main reasons he was
a natural fit to return to San Francisco as he showcased the ability to rush from the edge during the 2020 season. After playing on the
interior of the defensive line for much of his career, Hyder benefitted greatly when the 49ers experimented along their front in the wake of injuries to Bosa and Ford.
In Seattle, Hyder played more as an interior lineman than as a pass rusher and saw his production tail off as the 30-year-old recorded just 1.5 sacks and 33 tackles. With the Seahawks transitioning to a 3-4 front under new defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt, Hyder and fellow veteran Carlos Dunlap became expendable and were cut last week.
It’s unclear how the 49ers plan to use Hyder this season, but it’s possible he could again provide injury insurance behind Ford, who had his contract restructured after appearing in just six games for San Francisco in 2021.
The 49ers are also hoping former first-round draft choice Javon Kinlaw is healthy enough to offset the loss of Jones. Kinlaw
started just four games in 2021 before a knee issue that ultimately required surgery shut him down for the season.
The 49ers’ line remains anchored by Bosa, one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, and defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who recorded three playoff sacks including two in the NFC divisional round victory over the Green Bay Packers. Veteran Samson Ebukam is expected back to start opposite Bosa on the edge while the 49ers also plan on having Jordan Willis, Charles Omenihu, Kevin Givens and Maurice Hurst back in the fold.
Hyder is the second defensive lineman to sign with San Francisco this offseason, joining Hassan Ridgeway, a Richmond native who also agreed to terms on a one-year deal.*