New York Jets should pursue Tevin Coleman in free agency

The New York Jets need to continue adding talent around up-and-coming quarterback Sam Darnold and signing running back Tevin Coleman might be a good start.

Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman is headed to NFL free agency for the first time in his career, and he will likely see a nice offer coming his way. The offer might not be coming from the Falcons, however.

One team that could become increasingly likely to sway Coleman in free agency is the New York Jets. The Jets could use any kind of help at this point, and they are in desperate need of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.

Coleman has been fantastic with the Falcons and has received a lot of playing time due to teammate Devonta Freeman's constant injury woes. In 2018, Freeman missed nearly the entire season due to a groin injury, and Coleman filled in very well. Coleman ran for 800 yards and four touchdowns on 167 rush attempts and added 32 receptions for 276 yards and five receiving touchdowns. The former Indiana Hoosier averaged 4.8 yards per carry and 50 yards per game. Coleman had career highs in rushing attempts, rushing yards, average yards per carry, average yards per game, and receptions.

Although the Jets signed running back Isaiah Crowell this season, it's safe to say his production comes at a more sporadic rate as opposed to Coleman's consistent pace. Crowell does not offer much upside in the passing where Coleman does, so there's another knock against Crowell. The Jets were forced to turn to third-string running back Elijah McGuire after Crowell and Bilal Powell suffered significant injuries. McGuire filled in admirably, but it's clear the Jets could turn to a more reliable playmaker.

Coleman has been a reliable back since entering the league and has proven to be a playmaker on an offense with several weapons. Coleman has missed some games in his four-year career but has managed to play near a full season in the last two years. Coleman's 1,000 scrimmage yards this season proves he has tremendous upside and can be a team's every down back with his speed and ability to run with power when needed.

The Falcons should think long and hard about possibly holding onto Coleman considering Freeman's injury history. Freeman and Coleman have been known to light up opposing defenses as a tandem, however, Coleman deserves the chance to own a backfield if given the opportunity.