The 49ers are getting some defensive end help from a familiar face. Kerry Hyder, who led the team with 8.5 sacks in 2020, is coming back to San Francisco on a one-year deal per ESPN’s Field Yates.
Hyder spent the 2021 campaign in Seattle following his career year under 49ers DL coach Kris Kocurek. Last season he couldn’t replicate the success he had in 2020 and posted just 1.5 sacks in 15 games for a scuffling Seahawks club.
Bringing Hyder in doesn’t preclude the 49ers from adding more DE depth in the draft. He turns 31-years old in May and is only with the team on a one-year deal. Finding a longer term option should still be a priority for San Francisco.
The contract won’t cost a ton though, making this a good low-risk, high-reward signing. Yates reported it’s a $1.5 million deal with $750,000 guaranteed. If Hyder makes the team and puts together a 2022 season like the one he had in 2020, he could be one of the steals of the offseason.
