Running Back Tim Hightower Heads To The Bay Area

By Jordan Long

The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a deal with free agent running back Tim Hightower. This will add depth to the running back position. What could Hightower bring to the team?

Tim Hightower is entering his 7^th NFL season. Hightower was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2008 NFL Draft. In his first NFL season, he ran for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns. 2010 was his career best with 736 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.

On July 31^st, 2011, Hightower was dealt to the Washington Redskins for defensive end Vonnie Holliday and a 2012 NFL draft pick. In his only year in Washington he appeared in a career low 5 games. He tore his ACL in week 7 in a game against the Carolina Panthers. Even though it was a short season, Hightower was still productive with 321 rushing yards. The next year, Hightower was competing for a roster spot but was slow coming back from his ACL injury. Washington decided to cut him after he appeared in one preseason game.

Hightower was out of the league for three seasons. The New Orleans Saints gave him a chance.   Hightower ran for 375 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2015. Last season he gained 548 yards on the ground and added 4 touchdowns. The Saints let Hightower test free agency in the offseason.

The 49ers wanted to add to their running back core. Hightower can run the football, but he can also go out in the open field to catch passes. Hightower will be able to block for the quarterback to give him time to throw the football.

Hightower is going to compete for the back up running back position. The 49ers already have a starter in Carlos Hyde. After that it is wide open. The advantage Hightower has over the other running backs on the roster is he played under Head Coach Kyle Shanahan in 2011. Hightower understands Shanahan’s system.

On paper this is an excellent move. Hightower must prove to the 49ers he can handle the duties of being a backup running back. Hopefully he shows that in training camp and preseason games.

What do you think of the San Francisco 49ers adding Tim Hightower?