The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly signed former Atlanta Falcon running back Tevin Coleman. The deal is for around $10 million on two years.
Coleman has spent his entire pro career thus far with the Atlanta Falcons. The former Indiana Hoosier shouldered the majority of the rushing load last season after Devonta Freeman missed most of the season with an injury. Coleman rushed for 800 yards and four touchdowns in 2018, as well as 276 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.
49ers signing Tevin Coleman to a two-year, $10 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
The 49ers add another back to their rushing attack that already has a lot of talent. Matt Breida showed flashes for the banged-up Niners in 2018. San Francisco also hopes to get back Jerick McKinnon, who missed all of 2018 with an injury. McKinnon signed a four-year contract with the Niners last offseason.
49ers’ HC Kyle Shanahan coached RB Tevin Coleman in Atlanta, and has long admired and respected his work. Now Coleman, Matt Breida and Jerick McKinnon give the 49ers the type of 1-2-3 punch many teams seek.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
Running back is not the only question mark in San Francisco. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down early in the season with a gruesome knee injury. Backups C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens had flashes of quality but without Garoppolo, Coleman and the backfield may have to be the primary source of offense.
The Falcons are now in an interesting spot. Freeman presumably will carry a majority of the running back workload, but with his health in question, it’s hard to gauge just how much he’ll be available. Young rusher Jeremy Langford may move into Coleman’s number two spot unless of course, the Falcons get a back they like in the Draft.
Coleman, at age 25, on this two-year deal, will likely be playing for a long-term contract while in San Francisco.
