The numbers are in on running back Tevin Coleman's new deal, and the contract details are better than expected for the San Francisco 49ers.
On Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news that former Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman and the San Francisco 49ers came to terms on a two-year, $10 million contract on the first day of 2019 NFL free agency. Coleman, who played under 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan during their shared time in Atlanta, appeared to accept somewhat of a "hometown discount" -- albeit in a different city over 2,000 miles away -- in order to be reunited with his former offensive coordinator:
At the time, the deal made sense for San Francisco, despite the fact that the Niners already have a crowded backfield that includes running backs Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida, and Raheem Mostert. Given Coleman's blazing speed, positional versatility and receiving prowess, he fits the mold of a Shanahan running back who can be utilized as a big-play runner as well as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield or lined up on the line of scrimmage. Today we learned that Shanahan's newest offensive weapon will arrive in the Bay Area on a low-risk deal with an inexpensive price tag.
Thursday morning, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Coleman's deal includes over $2 million in incentives, meaning his base contract will cost the 49ers just $8.5 million over two years, including only $3.6 million in 2019. In addition, Pelissero stated Coleman's contract does not include a signing bonus, which affords the 49ers the opportunity to part ways with the running back after next season with no salary cap repercussions if Coleman doesn't work out for the team as expected:
Sportrac's Michael Ginnitti soon echoed Perlissero's assertion that Coleman's contract with San Francisco is essentially a one-year, $3.6 million deal with $3.25 million guaranteed, provided the 49ers opt to release Coleman before April 4, 2020:
Despite rushing for over 2,000 yards during his final season at the University of Indiana, Coleman never became the bell-cow back the Falcons envisioned when they drafted him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. However, the speedster thrived in a split role with fellow runner Devonta Freeman in Atlanta, and will likely be used in a similar fashion in San Francisco. After injuries hampered his rookie campaign, Coleman averaged 981 yards from scrimmage and 9.3 touchdowns over his remaining three seasons in the NFL.
Written By:
You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at Minute Media, FanSided, Niner Noise, Insidethe49, LockedonSports, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.
All articles by Chris Wilson
Chris Wilson
You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at Minute Media, FanSided, Niner Noise, Insidethe49, LockedonSports, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.
All articles by Chris Wilson
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers an abomination? GM John Lynch says team has been undisciplined, not "playing clean"
Someone has stolen the San Francisco 49ers and replaced them with a team that looks like a shell of its old self. The 2024 version of the defending NFC Champions is stale, sloppy, and prone to playing down to its opponent. Not surprisingly, the 49ers currently stand at 5-6 and... -
Leonard Floyd eager for showdown between 49ers and former team, the Bills
The San Francisco 49ers face another tough test this weekend as they head to Highmark Stadium for a road matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Defensive end Leonard Floyd is particularly fired up for the challenge, as the game pits him against his former team. Floyd spent last... -
49ers practice and media schedule: Preparing for the Week 14 matchup vs. Bears
The San Francisco 49ers will hold three full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 14 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, offensive line/run game coordinator Chris Foerster, and quarterback Brock Purdy... -
49ers announce roster moves ahead of Week 13 Friday practice
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez to the practice squad. To make room on the practice squad, the team released offensive lineman Cameron Erving. The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown. Gutierrez...