Niner Noise
FanSided

Grading 49ers’ 2019 offseason through opening of NFL free agency

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: General Manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 18: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball against Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 18: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball against Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

B. . . . SIGNING RUNNING BACK TEVIN COLEMAN

In something of a shocking move, the Niners also elected to reinforce their offensive backfield by signing running back Tevin Coleman to a two-year, $10 million move, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Coleman thrived in split-time duties under Kyle Shanahan with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015 and 2016, posting 406 and 941 yards from scrimmage in those two years, respectively, after being grabbed by the Falcons in Round 3 of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Last year, Coleman managed well over 1,000 all-purpose yards, which gives Shanahan yet another dual-purpose threat out of the backfield.

There are two ways to see this move for an already-crowded backfield, however. The 49ers intended Jerick McKinnon to be their featured back in 2018 and beyond, but he fell victim to a torn ACL before the regular season began. No. 2 tailback Matt Breida assumed the role and thrived in it. Yet both runners have injury concerns heading into 2019.

Perhaps Coleman is valued insurance for either player, particularly McKinnon. And Schefter even pointed out a trio like this could be deadly against opposing defenses:

That said, ESPN’s Dan Graziano pointed out McKinnon doesn’t have any guaranteed money on his four-year deal until April 1, which could suggest a “swap out” of pass-catching running backs.

The potential for a dynamic backfield to Shanahan’s liking helps boost this grade nicely, only being knocked down by the uncertainty it creates as far as the depth chart is concerned.