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Branch: ‘I’m not surprised the 49ers don’t seem to be in the market to re-sign Carlos Hyde’

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Of all the free agents the San Francisco 49ers have been reportedly linked to this offseason, their former running back Carlos Hyde isn’t one of them. Despite their familiarity with Hyde, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle told Gary & Larry on Tuesday afternoon he’s not shocked the 49ers aren’t jumping to re-sign the 27-year-old running back.

“I haven’t heard anything about that,” Branch said. “It’s been really quiet. I’m not surprised the 49ers don’t seem to be in the market to re-sign him just because from day one, when Lynch and Shanahan came aboard, by the public statements it was kind of clear that they weren’t head-over-heels in love with Hyde. I don’t think that changed too much during the season.”

Formerly a second-round pick of the 49ers in the 2014 NFL Draft, Hyde didn’t become the starting running back in San Francisco until 2016. Hyde appeared in 21 games and made seven starts over his first two years in the league before starting 13 games in 2016.

Hyde started every game last season, putting up 938 rushing yards — his second year of 900-plus rushing yards — with a career-high 59 receptions, which specifically stuck out to Branch.

“Not that they’re dying to get rid of him,” Branch said. “I thought he was relatively effective and his pass catching was very good, which you have to do in Shanahan’s offense as a lead back, but I just don’t think he was an ideal fit. They talk so much about if this guy is a fit and I just don’t think he as quite the guy they wanted.”

This year’s free agency class is full of established running backs, including Adrian Peterson and DeMarco Murray. Not to mention, the 49ers have young running back options on their roster — Matt Brieda and Joe Williams.

“They have some other options in Matt Breida,” Branch said. “Joe Williams, obviously they were thrilled about getting and he wasn’t too impressive before he was put on IR last year. That’s a situation they’ll definitely need to address.”

Outside of free agency, Branch brought up an interesting note about what general manager John Lynch said regarding the upcoming NFL Draft.

“What’s interesting is that John Lynch said when asked at the combine, ‘what are some deep positions in the draft?’” Branch said. “Usually, general managers just don’t even answer a question like that for obvious reasons. He said, ‘there’s quarterback, which we don’t really need, and running back.’ It’s something to file away that he feels like there’s going to be a lot of options at running back. They might not be panicking about that situation knowing they can address that in the draft.”

To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and skip to 4:53 for Branch on Hyde.