The Cleveland Browns overhauled their entire team this free agent period. Wednesday they added more experience on the offensive side of the ball by signing former San Francisco 49er rusher Carlos Hyde to a three-year, $15 million deal.
Browns get fresh fantasy legs in the backfield with Carlos Hyde
Cleveland signed the fourth-year running back to a three-year, $15 million deal Wednesday. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Hyde joins Tyrod Taylor and Jarvis Landry as the newest weapons in Cleveland. He put up back-to-back 900-plus rushing yard seasons for the 49ers the last two years. Hyde also saw an uptick in catches in 2017.
Hyde may have some competition for the feature back role next season. The Browns are rumored to be considering Penn State rusher Saquon Barkley for the first overall pick in the 2018 draft. They also have Duke Johnson who can make a play for the starting role.
Fantasy impact: The Browns are always making questionable decisions. In terms of running backs, they had Johnson, now they have Hyde, and they could have Barkley all competing for the lead rusher position in camp this season. Even beyond the competition, former starting rusher Isaiah Crowell was very underused in the Browns’ offense last season. Hyde and Crowell are very similar backs. This does not look like a good move for Hyde’s fantasy future. Owners should see how things shake out in Cleveland this offseason before pulling the trigger on Hyde in the draft.
