Fansided
Fansided

2019 NFL Free Agency: Best fits for top running backs available

By Sayre Bedinger

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Running back Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons high steps into the end zone to score in the third quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Running back Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons high steps into the end zone to score in the third quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons

Best fits: San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts

Tevin Coleman has been steadily proving since he was drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft that he is capable of being a featured back in the NFL.

This past season with the Falcons, he got his best chance to shine, carrying the ball a career-high 167 times and catching a career-high 32 passes. He posted 1,076 yards from scrimmage, the first time in his career he’s eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, and scored nine touchdowns in the process.

When Coleman was drafted by the Falcons in 2015, their offensive coordinator was Kyle Shanahan, who is currently the offensive coordinator in San Francisco. As a backup in Shanahan’s offense, Coleman had a career-high 6.4 yards per touch in 2016 and another career high in touchdowns (11).

The Shanahan offense was kind enough to Coleman that he should strongly consider a move out West to join his former coordinator with the 49ers, who are also hoping to get more from 2017 free agent Jerick McKinnon.

McKinnon’s presence could prevent the 49ers from bringing in a guy like Coleman, so he may have to explore other options.

Gary Kubiak joined the offensive staff in Minnesota and there could be a fit for Coleman there alongside Dalvin Cook (Latavius Murray is also a free agent).

Coleman also played his college ball at Indiana, and perhaps the Colts with their $100 million could find some room for the former Hoosiers star in their offense. He, like anyone on this list, could benefit greatly from playing in that offense and alongside Andrew Luck.

Home/NFL Free Agency