Detroit Lions: 5 players who may follow Robert Saleh in free agency
By Bob Heyrman
Kerry Hyder
Here is a familiar face for Detroit Lions fans, defensive end Kerry Hyder. Hyder started his NFL career with the Detroit Lions after not earning a role with the Jets in 2015. Hyder initially landed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2014.
Hyder played a mere two defensive snaps in 2015 before bursting onto the scene in 2016, recording eight sacks as a member of the Detroit Lions. In addition to those eight sacks, Hyder completed 31 tackles and 26 stops. Hyder then suffered a season-ending achilles injury before the start of the 2017 season.
The former Detroit Lions defensive end returned to the field in hopes of following that uplifting 2016 performance in ’18 but had been limited to just one sack on 153 defensive snaps before heading to Dallas in ’19.
Hyder saw a limited, rotational role with the Cowboys last season, playing just 439 snaps, notching 17 tackles and two sacks.
The San Francisco 49ers decided to sign Hyder to a backup role this past March, and good thing they did because they’ve certainly needed him to fill in for both Solomon Thomas and Nick Bosa. Since becoming a starter by default, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has gotten massive production from the former Detroit Lion.
Hyder has recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks and accumulated 39 tackles, although he’s missed a whopping 12. This is just another example of how good Saleh can be; he’s getting concrete production from a backup defensive end.
According to PFF, Hyder has earned a career-high 70.9 rating. He’s a bargain for the 49ers at just $1.5 million, but he’s sure to see a raise this coming offseason and fills a role the Detroit Lions desperately seek.