Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) runs in the first half as the Minnesota Vikings face the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Monday, September 14, 2015.
The San Francisco 49ers backfield is primed for an overhaul as the team will reportedly sign former Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon in the wake of Carlos Hyde’s relocation to the Cleveland.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the 49ers are expected to bring in McKinnon to San Francisco on a four-year, $30 million contract. The move was reported only an hour after Schefter broke news that Hyde will sign a three-year, $15 million contract with the Browns.
Stepping into split-backfield duties with Latavius Murray following a season-ending injury to Dalvin Cook, McKinnon, 25, posted a career high in receptions (51 for 421 yards). Averaging 3.8 yards per carry, McKinnon found the end zone three times, which was also a career high.
After making an NFC Championship game appearance, McKinnon will arrive in San Francisco with playoff experience. Based on the 49ers free-agent targets so far, postseason experience appears to be valued by GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan as the pair look to be adding veteran experience to their youthful roster.
For Hyde, the 27-year-old will embark on a new journey outside of the Bay Area after spending all four years of his professional career in red and gold.
Being bitten by the injury bug has forced his true value to be questioned for over a year now, even landing him on the trading block last season. Though being vastly productive while on the field, his issue has been just that: getting on the field.
Both McKinnon and Hyde will have to wait until 4 p.m. EST to officially ink their deals but these transactions look to be a done deal.
Last modified March 15, 2018 12:46 pm
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