© Dale Zanine | 2016 Dec 18
For the second straight offseason, the 49ers have added a dynamic, speedy running back.
One year after signing Jerick McKinnon, the 49ers have reportedly agreed to terms with former Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman on a two-year, $10 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
49ers signing Tevin Coleman to a two-year, $10 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
Shanahan drafted Coleman in 2015 as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator. In Shanahan’s two years in that role, Coleman spearheaded the rushing attack with Devonta Freeman, forming one of the most dynamic combinations in the NFL. In Shanahan’s final year in Atlanta, Coleman rushed for 520 yards and added 421 receiving yards. Atlanta had the best scoring offense in the league.
Bolstering the running back room wasn’t a major need, but at that discounted price, it was likely too tempting for the 49ers to pass up. Coleman will join McKinnon and Matt Breida, who led the NFL in yards per carry for the majority of the first half of the 2018 season. Breida’s contract expires after the 2019 season.
Last year, McKinnon signed a four-year deal worth up to $30 million. His $18 million guaranteed was already paid in 2018. His base salary of $3.7 million for 2019 will be guaranteed as of April 1. With McKinnon coming off a torn ACL, Coleman gives the 49ers some flexibility and depth.
