Last offseason, Arden Key replaced Kerry Hyder on the 49ers defensive line.
Now it looks like Hyder has become Key’s replacement in 2022. ESPN's Field Yates reported Wednesday that the 49ers and Hyder have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $1.5 million, with $750,000 guaranteed and $750,000 in sack-based incentives. That’s a team-friendly deal for Hyder, who turns 31 in May and led the 49ers with 8.5 sacks in 2020.
The defensive tackle played for the Seahawks last year, with 1.5 sacks in 15 games (seven starts). Despite the loss of D.J. Jones to free agency and the prospective loss of Key, who is a free agent, the Niners’ defensive line is looking like a deep unit in 2022.
The Athletic’s Matt Barrows shared a list of the position group with the addition of Hyder.
Among that group is Jordan Willis, who blocked the punt in Green Bay that led to Talanoa Hufanga’s game-winning touchdown recovery in the end zone. The 49ers announced a one-year deal for Willis on Wednesday.
Those aren’t the only recent personnel moves for the 49ers. Backup running back Jeff Wilson Jr. announced he was returning via Instagram Wednesday, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that cornerback Dontae Johnson has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the 49ers. The franchise is yet to confirm the signings of Wilson, Johnson or Hyder.
John Lynch and the 49ers keep making low-profile depth transactions in an offseason that’s featured some monster movement among high-profile players. Jimmy Garoppolo (and his $26.9 million salary) are still on the team while Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa still don’t have contract extensions. They still need offensive line help and a starting strong safety.
The NFL offseason is only nine days old, but the Niners have been slow out of the gate. We've already seen players like Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Khalil Mack, Deshaun Watson and Tyreek Hill change jerseys this season while Garoppolo is still on the 49ers, and San Francisco has mostly stood on the sidelines.
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You'd think this would be a transformational period for the franchise, given the opportunity to surround second-year quarterback Trey Lance with as much talent as possible. Instead, they've largely kept the status quo, with the biggest splash being cornerback Charvarius Ward. If anything, the departures of players like Jones and reliable offensive guard Laken Tomlinson have overshadowed the acquisitions.
There's still over a month to execute a deal before the NFL Draft on April 28 and the 49ers can still save $25.5 million by releasing Jimmy G, but they'd obviously love to find a trade partner and get something in return. Mike Florio reported Lynch turned down two second-rounders for Garoppolo, but that information doesn't make much sense. Either it's faulty information or Lynch probably overplayed his hand.
Unless Lynch finds a suitor for Jimmy G, the highly-paid Garoppolo and inexperienced Lance look headed for a quarterback controversy in 2022. The 49ers should be competitive next season no matter who's under center, but I wonder if Lynch is having second thoughts about turning down a $10 million raise from Amazon this offseason.
