Philadelphia Eagles are better off without Carlos Hyde in the mix
The Philadelphia Eagles are better off without running back Carlos Hyde
As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how their offense will look like with a few new faces in the mix. All throughout free agency, the Eagles were linked to several running backs who could have come right in and made an immediate impact but that’s the risk when it comes to these roster moves.
A free agent running back could be brought in and take care of business the moment they step on the field but could also end up being a dud. The truth of the matter is, nobody will truly know until the regular season is here and they’re able to see how they mesh with their new team. It’s always a big risk but in the grand scheme of things when it comes to how the Eagles handled free agency at running back, they’re pretty much set with the positional group.
In an article written by Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports, he confirmed that head coach Doug Pederson is happy with his current running back situation but that one slipped away via free agency. Here is what he said in regards to the running back that got away:
"“We did and we looked outside [at] free agency and some of the guys that were there,” Pederson said to Angelo Cataldi on WIP. “As you guys know, we had an opportunity to possibly grab a player and slipped through our fingers. But we’re always looking to add that depth, add that value. But I am pleased with that running back room right now.”"
Miles Sanders is the future at running back for the Philadelphia Eagles
More from Inside the Iggles
- Eagles captains earn high praise on roster blending veteran leadership, youth
- How former Eagles star Cre’Von LeBlanc helped Renegades upstage Cowboys
- Eagles 2023 schedule: Every WR duo Darius Slay, James Bradberry will battle
- Imagining better names for Jason Kelce’s Good Guy Award
- Bold predictions for the Philadelphia Eagles offense in 2023
Of course, it’s not confirmed or anything, but as Zangaro pointed out, the Eagles were linked to Hyde, LeSean McCoy, and Devonta Freeman. Hyde ended up signing with the Seattle Seahawks on a one-year contract that was a lot more than what the Eagles were willing to pay to acquire his services.
The Eagles are better off without Hyde as it would have taken away reps from Miles Sanders who enters his sophomore season.
Many football analysts and pundits have high expectations for Sanders to potentially be a top running back for the Eagles in 2020. Sanders had a strong rookie season in 2019 as it’s best the Eagles keep feeding him the rock as he continues to hone his craft.
In 2019, Sanders totaled 818 rushing yards, 179 rushes, and three touchdowns. As a receiving option, Sanders totaled 509 yards, 50 receptions, and three touchdowns. With more experience under his belt, he should be able to continue his dual-threat ways in 2020 and even surpass them as a full-time starter.
Hot. Top 3 reasonable expectations for Carson Wentz. light
The Eagles have more than enough depth at running back as training camp will go a long way to determine how the depth chart will ultimately look like. Expect to see Boston Scott as the main backup to Sanders, Corey Clement in a rotational backup role, and more than likely Elijah Holyfield as an insurance option. Either way, throwing Hyde into the mix on a short-term deal would have stunted the growth of players like Sanders who could ultimately be the future at running back for the Eagles.