Defensive end Kerry Hyder has been officially released by the Seattle Seahawks. According to OverTheCap.com, he signed a three-year $6.5 million deal with $3.65 million fully guaranteed with the Seahawks in 2021 after having a career year in San Francisco. In 2020, Hyder led the 49ers with 8.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, 49 total tackles, ten tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits.
In 2021, Hyder's production dropped under Pete Carroll in Seattle. He recorded 1.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, 33 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits.
There are three reasons why the 49ers should pursue Hyder. The first is his relationship with the defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. Kocurek's relationship with Hyder dates back to their time in Detroit. In 2016, Kocurek coached Hyder to eight sacks that season. The next time they were together was in 2020, when Hyder produced 8.5 sacks.
The second reason to sign Hyder is he can still get to the quarterback. Hyder was the end double-teamed in Seattle, explaining his low sack numbers. In San Francisco, the opposition heavily double-teaming Nick Bosa would allow Hyder to win his one-on-one matchups.
The third reason is simple. Hyder is affordable, and his production was low in 2021. Now that he's a free agent, he may not have be in high demand on the open market. Plus, there are a plethora of pass rushers in the NFL Draft. The players in the draft may diminish Hyder's value. The 49ers could offer a one-year, $3 million-with-incentives-type of deal.
The 49ers need help on the edge of their defense, with the potential losses of free agents Jordan Willis and Arden Key, and the departure of Kentavius Street. Bosa, Charles Omenihu, Samson Ebukam, and Dee Ford are the current pass rushers. I believe they will add an edge rusher in the draft, and with Jimmy Garoppolo soon to be traded, the 49ers will have enough cap space to sign a free agent or two. One of those free agents should be Hyder.