Frank Gore hopes for deal before season

Frank Gore said Tuesday he feels six years younger than his listed age.

The 49ers' running back would feel even better if his up-in-the-air contract situation is resolved within the next several weeks.

Gore, who held out the first four days of training camp in an effort to get an extension on his expiring contract, is still waiting for a new deal. Gore will earn a $2.9 million base salary and a $2 million roster bonus this season.

"Hopefully, it will get done before the season," Gore said. "If it doesn't, I've just got to go play and if I have to be a free agent, I'll be a free agent."

On Aug. 2, when Gore arrived at training camp, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said the team anticipated getting a deal done "sooner rather than later." On Tuesday, Harbaugh said of Gore's contract, "I'm confident we'll work out something fair, hopefully soon."

After missing last season's final seven games with a hairline hip fracture, Gore, 28, said he feels like "the 22-year-old Frank Gore. Ready to take the load. Ready to play. I feel like I can score any time I touch the ball."

Quarterback Alex Smith said Gore, post-injury, doesn't look any different.

"I think Frank looks great," Smith said. "Frank always looks great in my opinion, though. He's a true professional. I've never seen Frank out here and thought 'Man, Frank doesn't look very good.' It just doesn't happen. The guy just lives and breathes football."

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(sfgate.com)