Kerry Hyder’s departure robs Dallas D-line of some flexibility

The revolving door along the Cowboys’ defensive line continues as Kerry Hyder is expected to sign a one-year deal with the 49ers.

Amidst a busy week along the Dallas defensive line, another Cowboy has apparently hung up his spurs and departed for different pastures. Defensive end Kerry Hyder is expected to sign with the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal, according to multiple reports.

Hyder signed with the Cowboys in March 2019 and played in about 40 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in his lone season wearing the star. He tallied 19 tackles and 19 quarterback pressures for Dallas and recovered a Carson Wentz fumble in Week 7’s win over Philadelphia. Hyder also logged a sack of Washington’s Case Keenum in Week 17.

Coming out of Texas Tech, Hyder went undrafted in 2014 but landed on the New York Jets’ practice squad for one season. From there, he spent four years with the Detroit Lions, although his 2017 campaign came to an abrupt end during the first preseason game when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon.

The departure of Hyder comes at a time of massive change along the Dallas defensive line. Robert Quinn and Maliek Collins signed with new teams as free agency began, while Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe– both most recently with Carolina- have been added. Antwaun Woods is an exclusive-rights free agent and could be retained, but it is not guaranteed. Last year’s draft pick Trysten Hill has yet to turn into the player it was hoped he could be. Daniel Wise has been released. Randy Gregory has filed for reinstatement; his return to the team is now in the league’s hands. Michael Bennett’s future with the club is up in the air; he has said he would love to return to Seattle to end his career.

The Cowboys defense will have a new coordinator in 2019 in Mike Nolan. Jim Tomsula will be in his first year coaching the line, with help from longtime assistant Leon Lett.