Seattle Seahawks: Carlos Hyde signing sends conflicting messages

The Seattle Seahawks signing Carlos Hyde sends some conflicting messages.

The Seattle Seahawks recently agreed to a one-year deal with veteran running back Carlos Hyde, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The deal is worth up to $4 million and looks similar to the one Seattle offered Devonta Freeman earlier this past week. Hyde joins a crowded running back room, filled with young players and plenty of question marks.

This past week, the Seahawks offered Freeman a deal before moving on to Hyde. Freeman turned down Seattle’s offer because he wanted more money, a request no team will fulfill. Freeman averaged 53 rushing yards per game over the past three seasons. NFL Network’s Michael Silver has since reported that Freeman is willing to sit out the entire 2020 season if he doesn’t receive a better offer.

While Freeman continues to float in a shrinking pool of veteran free agents, Hyde heads to Seattle. The former second-round pick ran for 1,070 yards and six touchdowns with the Houston Texans last season, while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Hyde won’t assume a starting role in Seattle, but he could be a crucial part of the running back rotation early on.

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Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny both suffered season-ending injuries in the final quarter of the 2019 regular season. In an interview with Dave Mahler and Dick Fain on Sports Radio KJR, general manager John Schneider said the Seahawks expect Carson will start in Week 1. Carson suffered a fractured hip in Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals.

On the other hand, Schneider also said that Penny is months away from returning to football. The former first-round pick suffered a knee injury, which included an ACL tear, in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. It seems inevitable that Penny will land on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. If he remains on the PUP list when the regular season starts, Penny will have to sit out for the first six games.

By signing Hyde, the Seahawks give Carson a productive running mate. Now, Penny can take as long as he needs to recover. There’s no reason for Seattle to rush Penny back to active duty. Hyde also provides insurance in case Carson isn’t ready to go in Week 1. Overall, his veteran presence adds a needed level of security to Seattle’s backfield.

The Hyde signing is a positive event for Seattle’s backfield, but it does send a message to DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer. Seattle drafted Homer with a sixth-round pick last year and recently selected Dallas with a fourth-rounder. Between signing Hyde and presumably getting Penny back at some point in 2020, any role for the young running backs in Seattle’s offense vanishes.

There’s a chance Penny doesn’t return for the 2020 regular season, in which case Dallas and Homer could still battle for a role in the offense. Otherwise, both could end up primarily seeing snaps on special teams. Homer might even be in danger of losing his spot on the active roster if Penny returns.

The Hyde signing also puts the nail in the coffin of Marshawn Lynch’s career with the Seahawks. In early May, Lynch told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt that his agent was in discussions with the Seahawks on a potential deal. Lynch also said he’d be fine if a deal didn’t get done, and now it seems like the Seahawks have what they need at running back.

The Seahawks brought Lynch back for a brief stint last season after Carson, Penny and C.J. Prosise all suffered season-ending injuries. During the playoffs, Lynch carried the ball 18 times for 33 yards and three touchdowns. Beast Mode is fourth all-time in rushing yards in franchise history.