Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of players scheduled to become free agents after this season. The team has several difficult decisions to make concerning the future of the roster. One of those decisions is the potential return of Kerry Hyder, who leads the team in sacks with a career-high 8.5.
Hyder isn't thinking too far beyond Sunday's finale against the Seattle Seahawks, though.
"I'm looking forward to the offseason, that kind of thing," Hyder told reporters on Friday. "But just really focused on this week right now, and just trying to finish off strong, and it's going to take care of itself later."
Hyder's two best seasons — this one and 2016 when he racked up eight sacks — have both come while working with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. That probably isn't a coincidence. The two have great respect for each other.
Will Kocurek's presence with San Francisco influence his offseason decisions?
"I love playing for Coach Kris, and I love being here with the 49ers," Hyder said. "I'm always thinking about that, but the offseason is going to take care of itself. I ain't really thinking too far ahead on that, but obviously, I love playing with Coach Kris and with the 49ers."
Hyder feels he is still improving as a player since that eight-sack 2016 season. The defender has proven he can bring the pressure. In addition to his career-high sack number, he has racked up 48 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and 18 quarterback hits through 15 games this season.
"I would say, overall, I've become a better player," Hyder said. "That year in 2016 was my first year playing defensive end in my life. So, I think I'm definitely a better player than I was in 2016."
Hyder entered the NFL in 2014 as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets. He also spent time with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys before signing a one-year deal with San Francisco on March 25, 2020.
Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
"We're playing for our playoff lives": Why John Lynch believes 49ers can deliver
By David Bonilla
18 hrs
Every game has become a must-win for the San Francisco 49ers, who host the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night at Levi's Stadium. Treating each matchup as a playoff contest, the 49ers understand that another loss could seal their fate—playoff elimination.
At 6-7, the team...
49ers Notebook: 'We're going to find out who wants to be here'; Dre Greenlaw's return sparks team; Purdy's costly INT; Rams RB talks a little trash after win
By Kirk Larrabee
5 hrs
Underneath the frustration of their rather awful 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night, the San Francisco 49ers experienced one of the best moments of their forgettable 2024 season -- the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the torn Achilles that kept him on...
49ers mailbag: What changes are coming this offseason for SF? Is Brock Purdy worth a big contract? Would Kyle Shanahan consider hiring an offensive coordinator?
By Marc Adams
Dec 4
The San Francisco 49ers have lost three games in a row, and are preparing to host the Chicago Bears on Sunday. A fourth-straight loss, especially if it's to the struggling Bears, will not only eliminate the 49ers from any small hope they have at the postseason, but the fanbase...
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
By Marc Adams
Dec 11
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their...
