49ers agree to deal with Tevin Coleman

As free agency begins, the 49ers have a couple of pending moves we heard about prior to the actual free agent signing period beginning. However, we all know that that is only the beginning. 

The 49ers made another signing, which also probably won’t be their last. Signing RB Tevin Coleman to a 2 year deal worth a maximum value of $10M.

Coleman, 25, played in Atlanta and has familiarity with not just Kyle Shanahan but Bobby Turner as well. Coleman thrived in Shanahan’s scheme and conversely, Shanahan has always been a fan of Coleman. It makes sense why he’d want that reunion. And it makes sense for Coleman too. 

This move does come with its weirdness though. The 49ers are expecting Jerrick McKinnon back for this upcoming season and have the rising Matt Breida who was good last year in McKinnon’s absence. Raheem Mostert also showed some flashes of brilliance in the run game last year. 

While it’s likely Mostert is going to be a special teams player almost full-time again, the 49ers could have quite the trio at RB this season. 

Jerrick McKinnon nor Matt Breida are high-volume RBs that can carry it loads of times. They are both better when not overused as runners (McKinnon is an effective weapon in the pass game though). Coleman is the type of guy you can give a good portion of runs to and he’ll be productive. Coleman is very capable of catching the ball too as well. Overall, the 49ers can now use their RBs in a more flexible way. 

While it is possible this could lead to the 49ers cutting McKinnon, I doubt it. 49ers like him and gave him all that money last year and have been there with him through his full rehab. I doubt they throw it away now. 

Having McKinnon, Breida and Coleman gives them a lot of weapons to work with that will make defenses have to think on their feet at all times. Shanahan has a lot to work with now, and he has to be licking his chops about drawing up plays for them. 

And for the money, Coleman is a good add. At most, he’s making $5M APY and that’s only if he hits the incentives. This could wind up being an insanely valuable deal for the 49ers for a quality RB that is only 25 with good history in the system. 

I like this deal for the 49ers. It’s not anywhere close to breaking the bank and the 49ers get another speedy offensive weapon with game-changing speed. Shanahan is going to have fun with this backfield.