Of course, much of this sounds based on speculation, so take it for what it is worth.
Breer feels that NFL teams may be holding onto veteran players with the hopes of drawing some trade interest heading into the draft. That makes sense. With the entire offseason up in the air right now due to social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, NFL teams may be more willing to acquire experienced players rather than gamble on rookies who have never taken an NFL snap.
Of course, there will be an offseason program. It will just look different than it ever has. The focus will be on online meetings and teaching through video conferencing platforms like Zoom. The hope is to get back onto practice fields down the road. For now, the league is adapting to a changing world.
Breer speculates that Coleman is a player the 49ers might be hoping to move this week. If they can't, he may find himself searching for a new NFL home.
"Niners RB Tevin Coleman and Colts DB Quincy Wilson are two more who came across my desk this week," wrote Breer. "And if guys like these can't be moved? It's possible that a few guys like that get cut before teams start their virtual offseason programs next week."
The 49ers have last season's breakout star, Raheem Mostert, penciled in as their featured back. Jeff Wilson Jr. just signed his one-year tendered contract. The team still hopes to see if Jerick McKinnon can contribute and even restructured his deal to keep him on the roster. And Matt Breida's name has also come up as a potential trade candidate.
Coleman, who signed to a two-year, $10 million deal on March 14, 2019, rushed for 544 yards and six touchdowns through 14 games and 11 starts last season. His rushing-yard total ranked third on the team behind Mostert and Breida.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
PFN names pass rusher, fullback as 49ers' top cut candidates
The San Francisco 49ers face a challenging offseason with several players set to hit free agency in March. With quarterback Brock Purdy expected to sign the biggest contract in franchise history, the team won't be able to retain everyone they want. General manager John Lynch... -
Falcons hire defensive coordinator once on the 49ers' radar
The Atlanta Falcons are hiring Jeff Ulbrich as their new defensive coordinator, removing another highly qualified candidate from the market. The #Falcons are hiring Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator, per sources. A former NFL linebacker, Ulbrich finished last season... -
PFN 7-round mock draft: 49ers address both sides of the ball with top picks
Seven-round mock drafts are always fascinating and challenging, attempting to project every pick for every team. Pro Football Network analyst Dalton Miller recently released one, predicting the San Francisco 49ers will address both sides of the ball with their first two... -
49ers star defender wants to see Maxx Crosby in red and gold
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has a bold idea to strengthen the team's defense heading into the 2025 season: bring in Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Taking to social media, Lenoir expressed his desire to see Crosby in red and gold. Max Crosby...