Why the Seahawks Should Add Carlos Hyde Instead of Devonta Freeman
The Seattle Seahawks patched together a running back room late in 2019 that saw Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin show up right before the postseason. That became necessary after Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny went down with injuries in December.
Carson is expected to be the lead back in 2020 while Penny may not be able to return until midway through the season. That creates a need for another running back and the Seahawks reportedly have interest in two veterans.
The Seahawks have also had conversations with free agent RB Carlos Hyde https://t.co/fuv6H2LDhs
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) May 20, 2020
The decision is between Devonta Freeman and Carlos Hyde. The former's name may jump off the page more to some fans, but the latter appears to be the better option. Freeman had 656 rushing yards along with 410 receiving yards in 2019 with the Atlanta Falcons. This came after missing nearly the entire 2018 season due to several injuries. He has seen a general decline in production since 2016, which was his last season in which he ran for over 1,000 yards.
Hyde has been durable throughout his career and ran for a career-high 1,070 yards last season with the Houston Texans.
Pete Carroll's stated desire--flat need--for more depth at running back has #Seahawks talking to veteran FAs Devonta Freeman, Carlos Hyde. Rashaad Penny likely to start season on PUP list. And, no, this doesn't mean SEA is done trying to add a pass rusher https://t.co/52lkuzkSgp
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) May 20, 2020
Freeman is an intriguing option after notching over 1,000 yards from scrimmage last season, but he did suffer another minor foot injury and was released by the Falcons with three years left on his deal. Hyde had a new high mark in 2019 and is the more low-risk option on a one-year deal. There are just far fewer concerns and the last thing the Seahawks need is more injuries at the running back position.