The San Francisco 49ers are one of eight teams interested in running back Dion Lewis, according to Pro Football Talk. The other teams include the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and his current team, the New England Patriots.
The 49ers running back situation is a question mark with Carlos Hyde unsigned and hitting free agency on Wednesday. Matt Breida and Joe Williams will get plenty of opportunities, but if the team does not re-sign Hyde, they will be looking for more help at the position.
Pro Football Focus previewed free agency, and offered plenty of reasons to like Lewis to the 49ers. He led free agent backs in elusivity and pass blocking efficiency, and ranked third among all running backs in elusivity.
PFT made a good point about Lewis. Teams that are interested in him are also likely interested in Jerrick McKinnon to some extent. Lewis offers a little bit more to a team, but if the 49ers cannot land him, someone like McKinnon could offer a necessary change-of-pace to the backfield.