Falcons running back Tevin Coleman is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
The comparison for Coleman is San Francisco running back Jerick McKinnon, a former Sprayberry High and Georgia Southern star, who landed a four-year, $30 million deal with the 49ers last offseason after four seasons with Minnesota.
McKinnon, 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, was selected in the third round (96th overall) in the 2014 NFL draft. He played in 58 games and made 14 starts over his first four seasons.
Coleman, 6-1 and 210 pounds, was drafted in the third round (73rd overall) in the 2015 draft. He’s played in 55 games and made 19 starts heading into the regular-season finale against Tampa Bay.
Coleman’s four-year numbers are better than McKinnon’s four-year numbers, except pass receptions.
McKinnon's rushing totals (2014-17): 474 rushes, 1,918 yards and seven touchdowns.
Coleman's rushing totals (2015-18): 520 carries, 2,295 yards and 17 touchdowns.
McKinnon's receiving totals: 142 catches, 984 yards and five touchdowns.
Coleman's receiving totals: 91 catches, 1,001 yards and 11 touchdowns.
McKinnon overall: 616 touches, 2,902 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Coleman overall: 611 touches, 3,296 yards and 28 touchdowns.
The problem for the Falcons is that they signed running back Devonta Freeman to a six-year, $43 million deal Aug. 9, 2017.
They likely can’t fit two $40 million plus running backs under the cap.
Coleman’s negotiations will start at the four-year, $30 million that McKinnon received and based on his productivity, his market value is higher.
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