Frank Gore still wants new deal

Frank Gore has rushed for 6,414 yards in his 49ers career, and he has scored 44 touchdowns. But the number he most wants to change is 2.9.
That's the number, in millions, that Gore is due in base pay (he could get an additional $2 million should he stay healthy the entire season).

What Gore wants is a contract extension on par with the five-year, $43 million deal with $21 million in guarantees that the Panthers just gave running back DeAngelo Williams.

Gore, 28, is a month younger than Williams and has missed nine games in the past three years to Williams' 13. Gore also has 530 more career carries than Williams.

While many contend Gore is the team's best offensive player, tight end Vernon Davis signed a six-year deal last year worth more than $42 million, with $23 million in guaranteed money. Davis is also younger and plays a less demanding position. So what should a fair deal for Gore look like?

That's what Gore's agent and the 49ers are grappling over. The website Profootballtalk.com reported that Gore might insist on a trade if his contract demands are not met. Gore staged a four-day holdout at the start of training camp in hopes of getting an extension.

He spoke to the media about his contract status Monday and said he had no comment on trade demands.

"I'm a football player, and it's my job to play football and hopefully, things get right," Gore said. "I would like things to get done before the season so I could just focus on football, not whether they will get it done or not. Like I said before, I want to remain with the 49ers for my career. If it (doesn't) happen, hopefully I'll have a great year and I'll test the market."

In speaking with reporters Sunday, coach Jim Harbaugh said he believed a deal would be forthcoming. He also repeated his desire for Gore to be his main running back and possibly his chief offensive weapon.

Whether Gore gets an extension or not, he'll be highly motivated this year.

"I have to go out there and show everybody that I'm healthy, that I can be the Frank Gore that I've always been," he said.



(sfgate.com)