Eagles free-agent targets: RB Frank Gore

Frank Gore, RB
Age: 31
Height: 5-9
Weight: 217
Last team: San Francisco 49ers

Scouting report
Entering his 11th season, Gore has been one of the most productive running backs in the sport over the past decade. The five-time Pro Bowl halfback and former Miami star has exceeded 1,000 yards eight times in 10 seasons and ranks second to Steven Jackson as the NFL’s active leading rusher with 11,073 yards. His 64 career rushing touchdowns is fifth among active NFL halfbacks and he’s top 10 with an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Gore hasn’t worn down over the years. He’s played 16 games in each of the past four seasons and has exceeded 1,100 yards in each of the four. He also has 342 career catches for 2,883 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. Gore made $6.45 million last year in base salary and bonuses.

Geoff’s take
I absolutely believe Gore would be a great free-agent addition. He’s shown no signs of breaking down — the opposite, actually — and he won’t cost the Eagles much. He wouldn’t even be a full-time ball carrier as Chip Kelly will surely go to the committee approach. Gore’s skill set is perfect for Kelly’s inside and outside zone schemes. He’s a powerful, north-south, one-cut runner who can still break long runs because he has tremendously quick feet. He’s hardly super speedy but he’s patient and agile. He’s the kind of running back who could thrive getting the ball 10-12 times in Kelly’s offense. As long as he’s willing to be a piece of the pie — an inexpensive one — Gore could be a really nice pickup.

Roob’s take
I’d love to see the Eagles sign Gore just so I can watch Marcus Smith try to cover him at practice. OK, cheap shot. I love Gore. How can you not? Consistent, durable, productive. And like Mosh said, he’s playing as well as ever. He’s one of only five backs in NFL history with four 1,100-yard seasons after his 28th birthday. The others are Ricky Watters, Walter Payton, Tiki Barber and Thomas Jones (of all people). Assuming Gore’s age scares away most teams and his asking price is reasonable, I’d consider bringing him in as a part-time guy. Assuming Roc Carmichael is willing to give up his No. 21 jersey.


(csnphilly.com)