JOHN CLAYTON

Clayton: What the Carlos Hyde signing means for the Seahawks’ roster

May 22, 2020, 4:09 PM | Updated: 4:44 pm

Seahawks RB Carlos Hyde...

The Seahawks reportedly added veteran RB Carlos Hyde on a one-year contract. (Getty)

(Getty)

While acquiring star players might be a great thing for a team aspiring to get back to the Super Bowl like the Seahawks are, getting a good player at a decent price is a great way of building a Super Bowl roster.

Let Russ cook? Ex-OL Joe Thomas says Seattle faces obstacle in 2020

Seattle general manager John Schneider accomplished that task Friday when he reached a one-year agreement with Carlos Hyde. According to Mike Silver of the NFL Network, the Seahawks offered Devonta Freeman a one-year, $3 million contract. Freeman said no. He wanted much more. Silver reported Friday afternoon Freeman is willing to sit out the season if his number isn’t met.

The Seahawks got the message and grabbed Hyde. Though Freeman has more star power and might be the better back, getting Hyde at an acceptable number was the better move. If Chris Carson is healthy at the beginning of the season, Freeman wouldn’t be the starter. It would be Carson.

Plus, Freeman, who is the most talented back on the street, is going to have a hard time getting starter money.

Personally, I think Hyde is the better fit. The Seahawks needed more of an early down back than Freeman, who might have fit in as the passing downs running back. Hyde is 6 feet, 229 pounds. He’s coming off a 1,070-yard season in which he averaged 4.4 yards per carry.

The Seahawks can use Travis Homer or DeeJay Dallas on passing downs. Hyde had 900-plus yard seasons in 2016 and 2017. Reports are he can make up to $4 million with incentives and playing time. He’s 29 with seven years of experience.

He’s the perfect insurance policy in case Carson has a problem and Rashaad Penny has trouble coming off his ACL injury.

Getting the veteran running back and bringing Geno Smith back as the backup quarterback leaves Schneider with one acquisition on his to-do list. He needs a run-stopping defensive tackle. By not going overboard and signing Freeman at his price, the Seahawks could strike gold if they can land Damon “Snacks’’ Harrison.

Adding a wide receiver would be a bonus. Antonio Brown won’t be an option until July and August and I only give that a 5 percent chance of happening. Like they did getting Hyde at a good price over Freeman, signing Josh Gordon would be a bonus addition.

The Seahawks currently have enough receivers. They don’t need to sign one, but Gordon is in the process of reapplying to forgo his suspension. He tweeted out that he is living and training in Seattle. Figuring he should be reinstated, Gordon should be able to get signed at a decent price, much like the Hyde addition.

Gordon liked playing for the Seahawks in Seattle a lot. The Seahawks liked him. Coming off a suspension, Gordon could sign for a contract that doesn’t risk much for the Seahawks if he has future troubles.

Back to Hyde for a second, his signing probably eliminates the chance of Marshawn Lynch returning but one thing you know with the Seahawks is that they don’t close the door in the talent market.

Follow 710 ESPN Seattle’s John Clayton on Twitter.

Moore: Six veterans the Seahawks could cut to free cap space

The John Clayton Memorial Fund

Benefitting the Multiple Sclerosis Society

The Professor's Notes

John Clayton hosted a daily video breaking down the NFL

John Clayton

John Clayton Memorial Fund...

No Author

John Clayton Memorial Fund benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society

Seattle Sports and Bonneville International are honored to announce the “John Clayton Memorial Fund.” The John Clayton Memorial Fund will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

2 years ago

Seahawks Russell Wilson, DK Metcalf...

John Clayton

Clayton: What’s next for Seahawks after kicking off ‘major’ rebuild

After some major moves, John Clayton breaks down what the next things to watch for with the Seahawks are heading into the new league year.

2 years ago

Seahawks Russell Wilson...

John Clayton

Clayton: Won’t be easy for Seahawks to replace Wilson after surprising trade

After a surprising trade he never thought would happen, John Clayton shares his immediate reaction to the Seahawks' trade of Russell Wilson.

2 years ago

Seahawks Action Green...

John Clayton

Clayton: Why you shouldn’t worry about salary cap with Seahawks this offseason

Seahawks fans and followers are worried about how they can re-sign players and stay under the salary cap. John Clayton says they shouldn't be.

2 years ago

Seahawks Russell Wilson, Pete Carroll...

John Clayton

Clayton: The big news from Seahawks, NFC West as combine begins

Wednesday was a big news day for the Seahawks and the NFC West. John Clayton breaks down what's going on in Seattle's division.

2 years ago

Seahawks Rashaad Penny Russell Wilson Chris Carson...

John Clayton

Clayton: How RBs in NFL Draft should help Seahawks this offseason

The Seahawks should be looking to bring Rashaad Penny back, but a loaded class of running backs is likely to help them in a few ways.

2 years ago

Clayton: What the Carlos Hyde signing means for the Seahawks’ roster