Carlos Hyde rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

2. Indianapolis Colts

To put things nicely, the 2017 season did not go well for the Indianapolis Colts. Not only did they finish with a 4-12 record, they lost franchise quarterback Andrew Luck to a shoulder injury and he never played a down. Then to add insult to injury, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was announced as the new head coach before he backed out.

While it’s up for debate how wrong that move was, it was highly unusual and left the Colts in a very odd position. They still may have hit a home run by bringing in Frank Reich from the Super Bowl champion Eagles to be their coach. He’s an excellent offensive mind and the Colts need a reliable running back since they will not re-sign veteran Frank Gore. 

The Colts finished in the bottom half of the league in rush yards per game in 2017 and Hyde could form a formidable duo with second year Marlon Mack. Hyde would take on the workhorse role while Mack maintains his role as the home run hitter. Protecting Luck has to be the highest priority for the Colts this upcoming season. He’s the entire franchise and the Colts already have a tough enough task in reloading the team around him.

Having Hyde soak up 275-300 touches would go a long way to taking some of the pressure off Luck. It would also open up the play-action game to utilize receiver T.Y. Hilton downfield. Reich would certainly be able to find work for Hyde in his system. Luck, Hilton and Hyde would be a great trio and could get Indianapolis back to competing in the AFC South.