San Francisco 49ers Maurice Hicks

One position where NFL teams can never have too much depth is running back. The battering of a long season can physically break down any back, no matter the player's age or prior injury history, unlike any other position on the field. And though Frank Gore is coming off of Vikings Brett Favre jersey
an amazingly productive year for the San Francisco 49ers, the laundry list of injuries he has sustained to this point in his career is a cause for concern. That is why the 49ers would be wise to consider retaining the services of restricted free agent running back Maurice Hicks, assuming he receives an offer from another team. Hicks is the type of player whose contributions go largely unnoticed, but they are essential for any winning team. His time on the field may be brief, but Hicks is willing to do the dirty work on special teams and is capable of a big play every time he touches the ball. In addition to that, Hicks is a strong ball carrier who would receive more touches if he was in a different situation than the one he is currently in with the 49ers. Buried behind Gore, the reigning NFC rushing champ, and soon-to-be second-year player Michael Robinson, there just aren't enough touches to go around and Hicks has seen his opportunities decrease in each of the previous three seasons as a result. When given the chance to carry the ball, Hicks has responded with steady production. In 2004, his first year with the Niners, Hicks rushed for 362 yards on 96 carries through nine games, including a 34-carry, 139-yard performance in Week 14. In 2005, with the 49ers' backfield mired in a committee approach, Hicks shared carries with since-departed Kevan Barlow and then-rookie Gore. Hicks again put up solid numbers, averaging over 5 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns on 59 attempts, including a 73-yard TD run in week 16. Because of Gore's success and the presence of Robinson, a rookie last year, Hicks carried the ball only 29 times in 2006, but he managed to average over 10 yards per reception and score the first receiving TD of his career. Hicks' biggest contributions were made returning kickoffs, ranking fifth in the NFL in return yardage (1,428) and 12th in average (25.1). To this point in free agency, Hicks hasn't visited any potential new employers, but it has been reported that both the Titans and the Dolphins have shown interest. Hicks has until April 20 sign an offer sheet; after, the 49ers would have a week to match, but they would not receive any compensation for losing him. The 49ers tendered Hicks a one-year, $850,000 contract and would like him back to share the backup duties in 2007, though the soon-to-be 28-year-old turned down a contract extension last season. In his five-year career, Hicks has constantly evolved as a player, improving 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
so much during his time in San Francisco that the team has constantly found ways to get him on the field. Hicks presents the team with a productive and versatile option who fills several roles within the team for a very low cost. Losing him won't make or break the 49ers' year, but keeping him around could be a lot less costly than the alternative.