The 49ers are set to sign a veteran running back to open the NFL’s free-agent signing period.
The 49ers have agreed to terms with former Minnesota running back Jerick McKinnon on a four-year contract worth $30 million, ESPN reported Wednesday morning.
McKinnon is a versatile player who is a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. He caught 51 of the 54 “catchable” passes thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus. Hyde had nine dropped passes, according to PFF.
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SIGN UP HERE McKinnon, 25, has rushed for 1,918 yards and seven touchdowns in his four-year career. He added 142 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns.
McKinnon (5-9, 205) figures to give coach Kyle Shanahan a player who can be used in a variety of roles to create mismatches. The 49ers also figure to utilize Matt Breida, who had an impressive rookie season after being signed as an undrafted rookie from Georgia Southern – the same school McKinnon attended.
Carlos Hyde’s time with the 49ers is over. He agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns, the NFL Network reported earlier Wednesday morning. Hyde came to the organization as a second-round draft pick in 2014.
Hyde appeared in 50 games in four seasons, gaining 2,729 yards and 21 touchdowns. He never produced a 1,000-yard season after taking over for Frank Gore as the featured back in 2015.
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The 49ers could also use a draft pick to select a player from a deep draft class of running backs. The 49ers re-signed Raheem Mostert, a top special-teams player, to a one-year contract this week.
Also, Joe Williams, a fourth-round pick last year, will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot, beginning in the offseason program.