Kansas City Chiefs: What Carlos Hyde signing means

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Carlos Hyde to a one-year deal over the weekend. What does this signing mean for the Chiefs?

Carlos Hyde was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars early Friday morning and just hours later, Ian Rapoport was already reporting that the Chiefs planned on signing him pending a physical. Barely 24 hours after his release Hyde was officially a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

First off, as far as free agents go, this more than likely means that Chiefs fans can say their good-byes to both Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware. Hyde will take over Ware’s role in the offense and Darryl Williams or a rookie running back will likely round out the Chiefs running back rotation. This leaves the Chiefs with no need for Ware and West.

Hyde is a big back, built similarly to Ware, but is better pass catcher. Hyde, if he can stay healthy, has the ability to be better than Ware in the same role. He will probably be a change of pace back that will pair well with Damien Williams.

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Big, physical backs usually aren’t known for their pass catching abilities, but Hyde doesn’t fit into that stereotype and is actually a pretty polished as a pass catcher. Hyde had a 59 reception season  in his last year with the San Fransisco 49ers in 2017.

This combination of size and catching abilities will fit in well in the Chiefs pass-first offense, being able to catch check down passes from Patrick Mahomes and then punch it into the end zone on goal line carries.

Hyde is coming off of a season where he started off hot with the Cleveland Browns, but was traded mid-season to the Jaguars. He had five touchdowns in his six games with the Browns before finishing up his season backing up Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon in Jacksonville.

Don’t expect him to be a starter with the Chiefs. Don’t expect a touchdown in every game, but his red hot start with the Browns last season just goes to show what he could do as a goal line back with his new team.

The Chiefs will probably carry four running backs on the roster, so they will likely draft a running back in the later rounds of the draft to round out the backfield. Hyde will be a great veteran presence to guide Darryl Williams and whatever rookie running back lands in Kansas City (assuming that happens) and help them with their roles as young backs in this league.

Hyde’s contract is reportedly set at one-year $2.8 million with just $1.6 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter. This is slightly steeper than what fans were expecting, but still a very good deal for a 28 year old running back with size, catching abilities, and the years of starting experience which the current Chiefs running backs don’t have.

This deal could be turn out to be a good one for Hyde as well. If he has anything left in the tank, he could have himself a very good year in this offense. Playing in a Mahomes led offense should give him plenty of opportunities, even as a change of pace back, to catch passes and stick the ball in the end zone. This could lead a bigger payday for him next offseason.

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to be one of the more aggressive teams so far this offseason. It is to be seen if the aggressive moves, including the Carlos Hyde signing, will pan out in the regular season and help lift the Chiefs to a Super Bowl.

Either way, it is an exciting time to be a Chiefs fan!