Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes the San Francisco 49ers could be among several teams interested in free agent running back Dion Lewis. The other teams he mentions by name are the New York Jets, Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts.
Lewis, a six-year veteran, was a fifth-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 after playing college football at Pittsburgh. He also spent time with the Cleveland Browns and Colts before joining the New England Patriots -- his most recent team -- on December 31, 2014. He missed the 2013 season with Cleveland due to a fractured fibula.
Lewis' best season came in 2017 when he started eight regular season games for the Patriots and rushed for 896 yards on 180 carries (5.0 yards per carry average) with six touchdowns. He also had 32 receptions for 214 yards and three touchdowns.
Spotrac.com estimates Lewis' value to be an average of $5 million per season when compared to similar NFL players.
The 49ers will speak to Carlos Hyde's agent at the NFL Scouting Combine but stated that nothing was imminent for the impending free agent running back. The team also has Matt Breida, who was signed as an undrafted free agent last year, and 2017 fourth-round draft pick Joe Williams on the roster. Williams missed last season due to an ankle injury.