Eagles’ free agent running back search is apparently down to two options

The Philadelphia Eagles were reportedly interested in Carlos Hyde but they will not be signing the veteran free agent running back. Hyde is instead signing with the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.

ESPN recently reported that Hyde was one of three running backs the Eagles “have narrowed their focus” upon. The other two options mentioned were Devonta Freeman and LeSean McCoy.

Of those three options, Hyde arguably made the most sense.

The feeling here is that Hyde is Philly’s best bet from this trio. He’s 29 and he’s only missed five total games over the last four seasons. Hyde is a physical runner who’s coming off a career year with the Houston Texans. He’s a natural replacement to fill Jordan Howard’s role.

He was also clearly the fan favorite:

But, alas, he’s off the board. Hyde’s deal is reportedly worth $4 million, which is likely more than the Eagles were looking to spend.

Now I guess we’ll see who the Eagles pick between Freeman and Shady. Maybe they go for another option entirely, like Isaiah Crowell. Or maybe they just stick with what they currently have ... though I doubt it. I do think that they’d like to add some veteran insurance behind Miles Sanders. The only other rostered backfield players include Boston Scott, Corey Clement, Elijah Holyfield, Mike Warren, and Adrian Killins.

Here’s what we previously wrote about McCoy:

McCoy, who turns 32 in July, logged 101 carries for 465 yards (4.6 average) and four touchdowns with the Kansas City Chiefs last season. He also had 28 receptions for 181 yards and one score. Shady might have some gas left in the tank but one must consider how he was phased out of KC’s offense late during the 2019 campaign. He was a healthy scratch in the playoffs during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run.

And Freeman:

Freeman might better fits the mold the Eagles are looking for. He also only turned 28 years old two months ago.

The downside is that multiple injuries have limited Freeman to 16 games over the past two seasons. His 198 rushing attempts for 724 yards from that span only come out to a 3.7 average. He also fumbled three times.

Freeman was a pretty prolific runner from 2015 through 2017 when he had 688 attempts for 3,000 yards (4.4 average) and 29 touchdowns. He also had 163 receptions for 1,357 yards (8.3 average) and six touchdowns.

The Atlanta Falcons clearly weren’t feeling confident that Freeman would rebound to peak form as they took on $6 million in dead money to move on from him this offseason. But he could be a worthwhile No. 2 for the Eagles if he rebounds at all.

Sure don’t love Freeman’s injury history but he might be less washed than the aging McCoy. Also, I previously forgot to mention that Freeman overlapped with Eagles senior offensive assistant Rich Scangarello on the Atlanta Falcons back in 2015. Freeman’s experience and success in a Kyle Shanahan offense could be relevant.

Then again, Freeman reportedly turned down an offer worth up to $4 million from the Seahawks. Like Hyde, his price tag might be more than the Eagles are willing to afford. If that’s the case, bringing Shady back to Philly might be the most realistic outcome.

Which option do you prefer?