A 49ers season that saw five players see key rushing responsibilities ended with Jeff Wilson atop the backfield hierarchy. The team will make sure Wilson sticks around next season.
The 49ers announced they reached a one-year extension with Wilson on Tuesday. A 2018 UDFA, Wilson was on track for restricted free agency. He is now under contract for 2021.
Rushing for 600 yards (4.8 per carry) and seven touchdowns in his third NFL season, the North Texas product joined Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman in missing time with injury but stood out when on the field at points as well. Wilson scored three touchdowns against the Patriots but suffered a high ankle sprain during that blowout win. However, he returned late in the season and took over after Mostert was shut down. The 25-year-old back torched the Cardinals for 204 scrimmage yards in Week 16 and will represent a low-cost option for San Francisco next year.
San Francisco’s backfield was oddly both injury-prone and reliable in 2020, with its cogs constantly going down but producing frequently as well. The 49ers have Mostert, Wilson and JaMycal Hasty under contract in 2021. Higher-priced cogs Coleman and Jerick McKinnon are set for free agency.
Great re-sign. I believe him and a healthy Mostert will make a great 1-2 punch. I wonder if there’s a way to bring back Gore for cheap for one last season before he retires. Sure would love to see that.
Could be interesting, they’ll need some help on third downs
Gald to hear Wilson will be back, and glad to see McKinnon and Coleman will be gone. Those two proved to be a big waste of money for the most part.
Agreed
Ehhh Coleman had a good early run. McKinnon looked good for the teeny tiny portion of time that he was available. I feel bad for the guy, but that contract did not work out.
Shanahan, like his father, likes a certain type of back. Any who fit that mold will work, as we’ve seen. They consider the backs to be interchangeable, as with most skill players in the 9ers’ system. Ironically, the least replaceable players are the ones who do some sort of blocking.
Mostert 12-15 touches, Wilson 10-12 touches sounds like a good mix. Both proved to be good backs but both also proved pour health when given too much work.