The 49ers just re-signed a key backup who start for them next season.
Kerry Hyder has agreed to a deal with the 49ers, according to The NFL Network, which did not disclose the details. Hyder was on the 49ers last season, but recorded just one sack because he didn't play much, as he was buried on the depth chart behind Samson Ebukam and Charles Omenihu.
Now, Ebukam and Omenihu are gone, and the 49ers are searching for a bookend starter opposite defensive end Nick Bosa. And Hyder most likely will compete for the job.
The frontrunner to start opposite Bosa is Drake Jackson, simply because the 49ers drafted him in Round 2 last year. But he was inactive down the stretch last season, and it's unclear how much confidence the 49ers have in him. They also signed Clelin Ferrell, who's an edge-setter and a run defender, not a pass rusher. Plus they signed defensive end Austin Bryant, who might not make the team.
Enter Kerry Hyder. He'll turn 32 on May 2, and his career has been unspectacular, because he mostly has been a backup. But the two seasons he received lots of playing time -- 2016 in Detroit and 2020 in San Francisco -- he recorded 8 sacks and 8.5 sacks, respectively. So he has produced when given opportunities.
Consider Hyder the 49ers' safety blanket at defensive end. Jackson will get the first shot to win the job, but if he falters, the 49ers always have Hyder, who's no mystery to them. They know exactly what he can provide. And that's why he keeps coming back.
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