SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Another year of free agency, another dual-threat running back for 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.
Tevin Coleman, who played in Shanahan's offense with the Atlanta Falcons from 2015-16, is coming aboard to either complement or cover for Jerick McKinnon, the 49ers' pricey free agent last year who's recovering from knee reconstruction.
Coleman signed a two-year, $10 million deal as the NFL's new year began Wednesday, ESPN first reported.
Another year also means another shot for oft-injured defensive back Jimmie Ward, the 49ers 2014 first-round draft pick who's returning on a one-year deal ($5 million, per NFL Network).
Those deals come in the wake of bigger, yet-to-be-formalized moves that address the 49ers dull defense: trading for Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher Dee Ford and taking a gamble on linebacker Kwon Alexander's return from his own ACL reconstruction.
Coleman broke into the NFL with Shanahan as the Falcons offensive coordinator, and Coleman blossomed during their 2017 season's run to the Super Bowl (520 rushing yards, 421 receiving yards) while spelling starter Devonta Freeman. Last year, with Freeman hurt, Coleman posted career highs with 14 starts, 800 rushing yards and 32 receptions (276 yards, 5 touchdowns).
Coleman (6-foot-1, 210 pounds) has averaged 4.4 yards per carry and run for 18 touchdowns, but, like McKinnon, he's also a receiving weapon, totaling 11 touchdown catches and averaging 31 receptions the last three seasons.
All indications are McKinnon's recovery is going well since his knee injury a week before the season opener. Shanahan said he'd be cautious with McKinnon's comeback and keep him out of full-team drills until training camp.
Why keep McKinnon if the brunt of the 49ers' financial guarantees came last season ($12 million)? Other than assuming he'll be healthy to merit a $3.7 million salary, McKinnon is an upbeat presence and has rehabbed the past five months with Jimmy Garoppolo, so ditching McKinnon now would be a jarring emotional hit that is unnecessary.
Matt Breida, who ran for 814 yards amid a recurring ankle injury, figures to stay in the backfield rotation with Coleman and McKinnon. Raheem Mostert, Jeffrey Wilson Jr. and Matt Dayes also return.
Shanahan typically only suits up three running backs on gameday, and with Mostert seen as a special-teams ace, that could mean an odd-man out among Coleman, McKinnon and Breida.
Ward's return is not a surprise for a couple reasons. First, the free agent market was saturated with safeties, then elite options landed lucrative deals elsewhere while the 49ers kept Ward in mind. Second, Shanahan and general manager John Lynch raved last month about Ward's on-field talent and heart. As much as everyone is wary of Ward's durability, a one-year deal offers minimal risk to the 49ers.
Another potential defensive addition is cornerback Jason Verrett, a Fairfield native whose career got waylaid by injuries after the Chargers drafted him 25th overall in 2014. Verrett was to visit the 49ers on Wednesday and take a physical, the NFL Network reported.
Shoulder issues limited Verrett to six games as a rookie, then he made the Pro Bowl his second season after totaling a career-high three interceptions. A knee injury wreaked havoc on his 2016-17 seasons, and a torn Achilles took him out last year in training camp.
The 49ers are expected to unveil their free agents during a Thursday press conference.
Regarding their own free agents, they re-signed Ward, guard Mike Person and long snapper Kyle Nelson. Punter Bradley Pinion signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Testing the market are running back Alfred Morris, linebacker Mark Nzeocha and safety Antone Exum Jr.
Also cast into free agency are wide receiver Pierre Garcon and nose tackle Earl Mitchell after the 49ers did not exercise their 2019 options, as well as defensive back Tyvis Powell, who wasn't tendered as a restricted free agent.
