Atlanta Falcons' running back Tevin Coleman served out what looks like it could be his last season with the team this past year. For the past two seasons, Coleman has had greater than 900 yards from scrimmage and went for 11 total touchdowns back in 2016.
Those impressive achievements have made him an explosive character with the team, for both the right and the wrong reasons.
But there's a reason why Tevin Coleman isn't as well-known outside of die-hard fans — he's frequently overshadowed by the slightly more talented Devonta Freeman. While Coleman makes magic happen when he finally touches the ball, Freeman ensures that he doesn't touch the ball as much as, perhaps, he'd normally be able to.
Because of this, FanSided believes that Coleman shouldn't be re-signed to the team this year.
“If the Falcons were to invest into Coleman what it would take for him to keep his reduced role, they would be seriously overvaluing his accomplishments. While the former Indiana running back is an integral part of Atlanta’s offense, they shouldn’t feel like they have to award every homegrown player with a massive contract. Enjoy watching Tevin Coleman this season, because come free agency Coleman will be wearing another team’s jersey.”
Sounds harsh.
But at the same time, the question begs itself: is that assessment really fair? Freeman may be overshadowing Coleman on the field, but that doesn't mean that Coleman doesn't bring things of value. Indeed, when left to perform at his best, Tevin Coleman — as his stats prove — actually does very well.
The counterpoint, then, is that it's Freeman — not Tevin Coleman — that should be traded, and Coleman should be re-signed by the team.
“Freeman is more expensive, has a shorter shelf life and lacks pass block ability. All are things that should tip the scale in Coleman’s favor. If the Falcons could keep both I’d say keep both, but the numbers just say that is unlikely. The NFL is a business and this is a business decision.”
Regardless of which way things go, it should be interesting to see how Tevin Coleman ends up performing next season.
Atlanta shouldn't risk anything and should go out and re-sign Coleman this offseason.
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