5 worst signings of NFL free agency so far

2. Jerick McKinnon to the 49ers

John Lynch has done a great job with the San Francisco 49ers. Since taking over the team a year ago, Lynch has been masterful, landing Jimmy Garoppolo for a second-round pick before extending his contract for five years. A week ago, the 49ers landed corner Richard Sherman on a very team-friendly deal, basically a year-to-year pact that keeps cap flexibility.

However, even the best make mistakes. On Tuesday, the 49ers decided to lock up running back Jerick McKinnon on a four-year deal worth up to $30 million. McKinnon, 25, rushed for 570 yards and three touchdowns in 2017, both career-highs.

The 49ers were looking to replace the departed Carlos Hyde, but might have been better-served keeping him. Hyde went to the Cleveland Browns for three years and $15 million, and while Hyde is two years older than McKinnon, he has also been far more productive.

McKinnon is an ascending player, so there is hope that his best years remains ahead of him. Still, there’s little reason to think that the Georgia Southern product is going to become one of the top 10 running backs in the league, which is what it would take to justify that signing.