Frank Gore NFL News: 49ers RB Signs With Indianapolis Colts
On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts announced that they have signed free-agent running back Frank Gore.
Earlier reports said that Gore was planning to sign a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles with $7.5 million guaranteed for the first two years but NBC Sports said that it did not materialize because the player had second thoughts.
It was noted that the deal with the Colts has provided a better paying deal than what is offered by the Eagles. The NBC Sports report said the deal will guarantee him $8.5 million. He is expected to dominate the team as the top running back.
Yahoo Sports said Gore will provide the "much-needed stability at tailback" by the Colts. The team failed to progress in this level as Trent Richardson was not acquired through a trade and Ahmad Bradshaw was not healthy enough.
Gore, according to Sports Illustrated, has not played with any other team except for the San Francisco 49ers and he became a first-time free agent this year. In 2014, he was able to rush for 1,106 yards and four touchdowns when he started for all the 16 games of the team. In his entire NFL career, he has already rushed 11,073 yards and 64 touchdowns in 148 games.
The Colts also signed linebacker Trent Cole and re-signed safety Mike Adams on Tuesday giving the team many veterans in their lineup.
According to NFL.com, Cole was cut by Philadelphia last week when they could not agree on his reduced salary. He is also expected to be a contributor to the team's effort in winning more games as he has recorded 85.5 sacks 85.5 sacks and 19 forced fumbles in the 10 seasons he played in Philadelphia.
Though he has not topped eight sacks in 2011, NFL.com said Cole can still bring pressure to the opposing team.
"His versatility -- having played in both a 4-3 and 3-4 defense with the Eagles -- will boost a Colts front in need of harassing the quarterback," the NFL.com article added.
Bleacher Report added that Cole will be a big help in terms of defense which the team really needs to work on. "While he may not be as explosive as he was in his prime, Cole has plenty left in the tank and is a proven source of production who will add consistency in the team's front seven," the report explained.
The Indianapolis Colts ranked 12th in the NFL against the pass and was the 18th against the run for the previous season. Bleacher Report said it needs to work on a lot of aspects especially its defense to "get over the postseason hump" with Andrew Luck playing as quarterback and for them to play for the Super Bowl.