The Seattle backfield got a little more crowded Friday with Carlos Hyde signing a one-year deal with the Seahawks. It could make things tough on the Fantasy value for all the running backs there, especially Chris Carson, if everyone is healthy.
Carson, the lead rusher, is coming off a hip injury suffered in Week 16 last year, but general manager John Schneider said earlier this month that Carson should be ready for the start of the season. Rashaad Penny suffered a torn ACL in Week 14 last year, and there's a chance he could open the season on the PUP list.
Penny's injury was likely the reason for signing Hyde, and the Seahawks also spent a fourth-round pick in the NFL Draft on DeeJay Dallas from Miami. Travis Homer is on the roster as well.
There have been reports for weeks that the Seahawks were interested in signing a veteran running back, including bringing back Marshawn Lynch, who came out of retirement last year to return to Seattle for the playoffs. There was also a report that the Seahawks made an offer to former Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, who reportedly turned it down.
Seattle settled on Hyde, who had a solid season as the starter in Houston last year. He had 245 carries for 1,070 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and six touchdowns, as well as 10 catches for 42 yards. It was the first 1,000-yard season of his six-year career.
But Hyde will turn 30 in September, and he's no longer a featured rusher. He'll be a stopgap if Carson is out, or more likely a backup if Carson is fine. At best, Hyde is a late-round flier in deeper Fantasy leagues this year.
Carson's Fantasy value takes a slight hit with Hyde on the roster, but the Seattle Times reports "the Seahawks still intend on Chris Carson to be their primary running back in 2020." Prior to Hyde signing, Carson was viewed as a safe No. 2 running back in all leagues worth drafting in Round 4, but I'm going to downgrade him to at least the Round 5 range. That's assuming his hip is OK, which he still has to prove.
I don't expect Hyde to take Carson off the field much, but it could get messy if Penny plays at all in 2020, especially if he avoids the PUP list. Dallas could also earn playing time, and we'll see what happens with Homer.
In full disclosure, I don't envision having much stock in Seattle's backfield this year. I'm more interested in the passing game with Russell Wilson, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, and all three have star potential, especially if Wilson gets his way and the passing game opens up.
The earliest I would personally draft Carson is Round 6 in re-draft leagues. I'd rather invest in a James Conner bounce-back season for the Steelers or the potential of what rookie Jonathan Taylor could be for the Colts.
I'm not going to draft Hyde, and Penny remains risky given his injury and the additional competition for touches. Dallas and Homer also aren't worth drafting.
In startup Dynasty leagues, Carson is a mid-round pick at best. He'll be 26 in September, and he's now suffered two season-ending lower-leg injuries in three years in the NFL. He's also limited as a receiver with 37 receptions last year standing as a career high.
Penny is still worth a late-round pick, and hopefully he'll be healthy sooner rather than later. Dallas is also worth a late-round pick, and he's a third-round pick at best in rookie-only drafts.
Hyde and Homer aren't worth drafting in Dynasty leagues, but maybe they'll be waiver wire options during the season. It all depends on the health of Carson in what has now become a crowded backfield.
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