The 49ers for the second consecutive offseason added a free agent running back to their backfield. This time they acquired Kyle Shanahan’s former running back with the Falcons, Tevin Coleman according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Coleman, 25, joined the Falcons in 2015 as a third-round pick out of Indiana. He posted 2,340 rushing yards on 528 carries with 18 touchdowns in four seasons with Atlanta. He was excellent as a receiver as well with 92 receptions for 1,010 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air.
His usage went up quite a bit in his final two seasons, including a career-year in 2018 due to an injury to starting running back Devonta Freeman. Coleman started a career-high 14 games and rushed for a career-best 800 yards and four touchdowns on a career-high 167 carries. He also had a career-high in receptions with 32.
He’ll provide good depth in a 49ers backfield that was demolished by injuries a season ago. Running back Jerick McKinnon also figures to need additional time to return to full form coming off an ACL tear. Matt Breida led the team in rushing, but dealt with an ankle injury most of the year.
Coleman gives the 49ers another back who’s explosive and very familiar with Shanahan’s offense. He posted a 4.39 at the NFL combine, and adds another layer of versatility to an already talented backfield.
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