Kansas City Chiefs: Carlos Hyde not a lock to make 53-man roster

By John McCarty | May 22, 2019

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 23: Carlos Hyde #34 of the Jacksonville Jaguars tries to avoid the tackle of Ziggy Hood #97 of the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Signed early in the offseason, Kansas City Chiefs running back Carlos Hyde appeared to be a replacement for Spencer Ware. Could the additions of rookies Darwin Thompson and James Williams eliminate Hyde’s roster spot?

At the outset of free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Carlos Hyde as a hopeful depth piece for the team. Anticipated to be the replacement for Spencer Ware as a backup power back in the Chiefs backfield, the Chiefs added sixth round selection Darwin Thompson and undrafted James Williams to the roster.

With second year back Darrel Williams already on the roster and fullback Anthony Sherman, do the Chiefs have a spot on their roster for the former Ohio State back?

Is running back a reduced position in the Chiefs offense?

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Projected starter Damien Williams has shown a proficiency catching the ball, James Williams caught over 200 passes during his three year career at Washington State and Darwin Thompson hauled in 23 passes during his lone season with Utah State. Can Hyde display enough catching ability to earn playing time during training camp and the preseason to ensure a spot on the roster?

Perhaps the biggest concern for Hyde and his ability to stick with the Chiefs is simply his ability to get yards on the ground with the ball in his hands.

In the past two seasons, Hyde has not averaged over four yards a carry, sporting a 3.9 and 3.3 average during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Simply put, Hyde will have to do better about getting yards, especially between the tackles to ensure playing time. If the defense is better this year, the offense will need to run the clock, and Hyde will be important in accomplishing that goal.

One consideration that likely won’t be taken into account will be the price tag on Hyde.

Signed to a one-year deal, Hyde carries a 2019 cap number just above $2.7 million. For a team that, as of currently has plenty of cap room, the number isn’t a big deal. In that deal, it carries a total of guarantees of $1.5 million, so if the Chiefs release the former Buckeye, there would be limited financial savings.

It will be low-key interesting to see what the Chiefs do at running back this offseason and up to cut-down day. Damien Williams certainly appears safe on the roster but past that, roster spots are available. Darwin Thompson and James Williams will have an opportunity to make the roster and Darrell Williams will have to continue to show development to stay on the active roster.

Maybe the Chiefs view James Williams as a practice squad candidate. Darrell Williams would be eligible for the practice squad as well if the Chiefs decided to go in a different direction. Darwin Thompson is well built, but short, and will have to display the speed and quickness to get away from defenders.

Or perhaps a team suffers injuries leading up to and in training camp and is looking for a veteran running back. The position is certainly a group I’m keeping an eye on this summer and fall, that’s for sure.

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Do you think Carlos Hyde makes the roster come this summer?

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