With Atlanta Falcons running back, Tevin Coleman, coming into his contract year with the Dirty Birds, are people seriously suggesting the team trade him?
Unfortunately, there’s been an idea thrown around that the Atlanta Falcons would consider trading running back Tevin Coleman before the team either has to sign him to an extension or let him go “for free”. With the team already signing Devonta Freeman to a five-year deal not long ago, there’s some concern whether the Falcons money would be better spent elsewhere.
While there’s always a place for varying ideas and thoughts on potential personnel changes, I don’t believe trading the former Indiana Hoosier standout is the best idea for Atlanta. Not only has Coleman been a huge part of this Falcons offense over the last three seasons, but having the combination of Freeman and Coleman is something the Dirty Birds can use to their advantage for a long time.
For example, Coleman doesn’t have the wear and tear Freeman has unfortunately taken over the last few years. When Freeman has been dealing with concussion problems, Coleman has stepped into the lead role and done a pretty good job. He hasn’t exactly dominated the opposing defense, but he’s done what his abilities allow him to do — get to the edge and pick up big yardage.
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Ultimately, the choice of whether to stay in Atlanta or sign elsewhere is up to Coleman; however, it’s not like the Falcons are going to trade him. Just take a look at this quote from general manager Thomas Dimitroff in Vaughn McClure’s article on ESPN:
"Dimitroff, speaking to Rick Kamla and John Michaels of 92.9 The Game radio in Atlanta, was asked if trading Coleman with one year left on his contract could be an option heading into the 2018 season.“We are not considering trading Tevin Coleman, period,” Dimitroff told Kamla. “He’s an important part of this organization. And our focus is on this upcoming year, and trade is not in our thought process.”"
In a division where the Falcons play the Panthers, Saints, and Buccaneers, I sincerely doubt Atlanta is wanting to know what life without two solid running backs feels like. New Orleans has Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara; not to mention, Carolina has Cam Newton, Christian McCaffrey and Johnathon Stewart.
Other than Tampa Bay, the NFC South is stacked with great rushing attacks. For the Falcons to stay successful within their own division, they can ill-afford to let Coleman walk or trade him away without a better option already on their roster.
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Again, don’t let anyone convince you the Falcons should trade Tevin Coleman before it’s too late. I’m all for a good debate, but that would clearly not be the best move for Atlanta heading into the 2018 season.