The San Francisco 49ers have made it a point to address depth at the running back position this offseason, adding free agent Tevin Coleman to an already crowded backfield. With Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert already in the fold, the Niners have four capable runners and only limited touches to go around.
While Kyle Shanahan has said he’s content going into the season with all four players on his roster, it hasn’t stopped speculation and rumors that San Francisco may be willing to make a move. The newly-signed Coleman and recently extended special teams ace Mostert aren’t going anywhere, so it appears either McKinnon or Breida are the odd man out if something were to happen.
McKinnon was paid handsomely last year as a free agent to be the centerpiece of Shanahan’s offense. A torn ACL the week before the start of the season knocked him out for the year, so it’s fair to wonder why the 49ers would cut the cord without seeing what he can do on the field. That might leave the undrafted Breida on the outside looking in, or at least with an uphill battle to beat out McKinnon and Coleman for playing time.
However, despite the higher-priced options that appear to be in his way, it would be unwise to count out Breida.
Breida had a solid rookie campaign in 2017, and seemed to become even more comfortable in Shanahan’s offense as the season wore on. He rushed for 234 yards on 52 carries (4.5 yar-per-carry) in the last five games with Jimmy Garoppolo under center. He was especially good in Weeks 16 and 17 with 146 rushing yards on 23 attempts.
Overall, Bredia finished 2017 with 465 yards on the ground, which was the fourth-highest total of any 49ers rookie running back in the last 25 years. Only Frank Gore (608 yards in 2005), Kevan Barlow (512 yards in 2001) and Kendall Hunter (473 yards in 2011) had more. Out of that group though, Breida was second in yards per carry at 4.4, trailing only Gore’s 4.8.
The 49ers seemed poised to lean heavily on McKinnon in 2018 before the ACL injury derailed his season. The turn of events forced Brieda into more of a featured role. The second-year pro excelled despite playing most of the season banged up.
Breida led the team in rushing with 814 yards, and he caught 27-of-31 targets for 261 yards. His 5.3 yards-per-carry was tied for third highest of any running back with at least 150 carries in 49ers’ history, and was good enough for fourth best in the NFL last season. Breida especially excelled with explosive plays. He was one of only six backs with 10 or more carries of 20-plus yards.
The perceived knock on Breida is that he has trouble staying on the field. That narrative simply isn’t true. Breida played in all 16 games in 2017, and has suited up for 30-of-32 contests overall. He’s shown he can play through injuries as well, which he did through most of 2018.
Only time will tell how this situation plays out, or whether or not all four backs will remain with the team. Shanahan hasn’t ruled out carrying four running backs on the roster. Health will play a factor too, as any of the runners are just one injury away from an expanded role. But if the 49ers do call on Breida to do his part, the team can rest easy that it’s in good hands.
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