49ers reportedly keeping Kerry Hyder Jr. in defensive line mix

SANTA CLARA — Kerry Hyder Jr.’s return to the 49ers could be a boost for the defensive line’s depth, presuming he produces more than the one sack he had last season.

Hyder is re-signing with the 49ers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Terms are unknown, and the 49ers are expected to confirm Hyder’s return when the offseason program opens Monday.

After Hyder led the 49ers with 8 1/2 sacks in their injury-marred 2020 season, he defected to the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 to tally just 1 1/2 sacks. Last season, the 49ers tapped into Hyder’s versatility to help fill in on their injury-depleted interior, while NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa produced 18 1/2 sacks.

Hyder’s return could help compensate for the free agency departures of Samson Ebukam (Indianapolis Colts), Charles Omenihu (Kansas City Chiefs) and Jordan Willis (Las Vegas Raiders).

The 49ers earlier addressed their defensive-end depth by signing Clelin Ferrell (Raiders) and Austin Bryant (Detroit Lions).

Hyder, who turns 32 on May 2, will look to earn a spot in the defensive line rotation that also includes Drake Jackson, Arik Armstead, Javon Hargrave, Javon Kinlaw, Kevin Givens, T.Y. McGill, Alex Barrett and Kalia Davis, plus whatever rookies they add in and after the draft in two weeks.

Hyder’s only start last season came at defensive tackle in their December win at Seattle. He totaled 19 tackles, three passes defended and a fumble recovery last year in his seventh season, having previously played with the Detroit Lions (2015-18) and Dallas Cowboys (2019).

Hyder played for the 49ers on a $1.5 million salary in both 2020 and 2022. He played 36 percent of the defensive snaps last year, missing only a late-season win over Washington because of ankle issues.