Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 4 guys they should keep, 4 guys they should ditch

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 and safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers react after breaking up a pass intended for wide receiver Pharoh Cooper #12 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Cornerback Jimmie Ward #20 and safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers react after breaking up a pass intended for wide receiver Pharoh Cooper #12 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Tevin Coleman, 49ers
Tevin Coleman #26 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Ditch: Running Back Tevin Coleman

Earlier this offseason, those same 49ers fans who were upset about the team retaining Jimmie Ward were probably ecstatic about inking former Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman to a two-year free-agent deal.

After all, Coleman thrived under Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta, and why would anything be different in San Francisco?

Aside from an early injury this season and up until his four-touchdown game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 8, it looked as if that would be the case. Coleman and fellow running back Matt Breida had all the makings of a tremendous one-two punch for San Francisco on the ground, also guarding against the multitude of injuries players at the two’s position can suffer.

Since Week 8, though, opponents have held Coleman to no more than 40 rush yards in a game, and he had just 9 during the 49ers’ Week 13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, losing carries to another running back, Raheem Mostert, who seems to be a much better fit in Shanahan’s offense right now.

Contractually, the Niners could generate nearly $5 million in cap savings with zero in dead money or guarantees if they part ways with Coleman this offseason.

Considering San Francisco is getting better production on the ground from Breida and Mostert, saving Coleman’s money to spend or extend elsewhere seems like the wiser move.