Seahawks signing Kerry Hyder could be best move this offseason

The Seahawks added more talent to their defensive line on Tuesday by signing free agent defensive end Kerry Hyder, formerly of the 49ers. Hyder’s moving to Seattle does two things immediately. One, it makes the Seahawks a better defense. Two, it weakens an NFC West in the 49ers.

But Hyder might end up being Seattle’s best signing this offseason. Hyder signed for three years for $16.5 million with the possibility of getting up to $17.5 million. For a player who got 8.5 sacks in 2020 and will still only be 30 years old when the 2021 season begins, Hyder could be a very disruptive player along Seattle’s line for several seasons.

Hyder also has the ability to play tackle and defensive end. He might weigh 270 pounds, less than Frank Clark, but Hyder’s weight is well-proportioned and allows to hold strong against offensive guards and centers. He also has become a good NFL by working hard. He went undrafted out of college, much like former-Seahawk Michael Bennett, did and has already exceeded expectations.

But this is what Hyder does. He didn’t play much in his first two seasons, just one game. But was given a greater opportunity in 2016 when he was still with the Detroit Lions when he played 64 percent of defensive snaps and got 8 sacks. Hyder tore his Achilles in preseason in 2017 and missed that season and most of 2018 as well. Hyder played for the Cowboys in 2019. Through the first six seasons of his career, Hyder had started just two games.

Kerry Hyder a great signing for the Seahawks

But Hyder got a huge chance in 2020 with the 49ers as San Francisco lost so many defensive linemen due to injuries. Hyder started 14 games and played 70 percent of defensive snaps. He got 8.5 sacks, 10 tackles-for-loss, 18 quarterback hits and 32 quarterback pressures last year.

Now with the Seahawks, Hyder might have just made Carlos Dunlap unable to re-sign with Seattle. If Seattle believes Darrell Taylor can be good in his first year after being injured as a rookie and add that Seattle re-signed Benson Mayowa then signing Hyder might be the last big piece Seattle acquires. Hyder is cheaper than Dunlap will be and less expensive than Jadeveon Clowney. Hyder could be just as productive as those two players as well.

In fact, Kerry Hyder might just be the player who leads the Seahawks in sacks in 2021 and quarterback pressures as well. For a player making roughly $5.5 million for each year over the next three, that could be a steal for Seattle and give them enough cap room to signing other players too. Like a really good third option at wideout or re-signing K.J. Wright.