NFL trade deadline: One move every team should make

6. San Francisco 49ers: Trade Carlos Hyde

We expected a rebuilding year for the San Francisco 49ers and that’s exactly what it’s been so far this season. Like the Browns, they’re winless through seven games but have been more competitive. But losses are losses and as the Niners continue to rebuild they could look to move running back Carlos Hyde.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has stated publicly that Hyde isn’t on the trade block. The team has been adamant about keeping Hyde, but he’s in the last year of his rookie contract and will hit free agency this summer. If any kind of trade is made with Hyde, now seems to make the most sense.

With the likelihood he leaves after this season anyway, the Niners might as well try to get something for him. You’d have to expect the asking price would be for Hyde. He’s 26 and is a tough downhill runner. He hasn’t rushed for over 1,000 yards through his first four seasons but has dealt with injuries and been on the backend of some terrible teams. Put in the right offense and set up for success, Hyde could be a top 10 running back in the NFL.

Plenty of teams are looking for running backs and Hyde will be highly sought after come free agency. It’ll be at least another year or two before the Niners are back in contention and if it takes trading Hyde for a high draft pick, it might be worth it in the long run.