SANTA CLARA — Well aware that their offense will need to go beyond Carlos Hyde, the 49ers are looking at free agent running back Tim Hightower, according to an ESPN report.
Hightower, 30, gained 548 yards in on 133 carries with four touchdowns last season with New Orleans. That followed a 375-yard season with the Saints after being out of the NFL since 2011 because of complications from surgery and an infection that slowed his recovery.
As has been the case with many players interests with the 49ers, there is a history with the new regime. Hightower, with Kyle Shanahan as the offensive coordinator, gained 321 yards in 84 carries with Washington in 2011.