Frank Gore Gets Three-Year Extension

Added on Aug 31, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

A disappointing preseason for the San Francisco 49ers got a little brighter late yesterday when it was revealed the team had agreed on a new three-year extension with Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore. The deal is reportedly worth $21 million, $13.5 million of which is guaranteed, and will keep Gore in red and gold until 2014.

Gore has been griping about a new contract since the lockout lifted. When healthy, he is one of the best dual-threat backs in the league, catching over 40 passes in each of the last five seasons. Along with tight end Vernon Davis, he accounts for the majority of San Francisco’s offensive production.

To Gore and the front office’s credit, the month-long negotiation period avoided getting ugly. In fact, both parties have been complimentary to the other.

“I told Drew, man, just call me when he feels right, when he feels what’s fair for both sides,” Gore said. “Hopefully I can be a Niner. I want to be here for my whole career. Our GM said he wanted me here for my whole career. Hopefully my side, their side can get it done.”

The biggest issue with Gore is avoiding injuries. He’s battled various nagging ailments throughout his career, but none more severe than the broken right hip he suffered last November that caused him to miss the Niners final five games of the season. At 28, he is approaching the dreaded age 30 plateau, which is generally when running backs begin to break down.

Gore’s 24 100-yard rushing games are a team record and he is 931 yards away from becoming the franchise’s leading rusher, trailing only Joe Perry and Roger Craig,

The 49ers enter 2011 with a new head coach in Jim Harbaugh and uncertainty at quarterback. Much maligned Alex Smith is battling rookie Colin Kaepernick for the starting job, although neither has looked impressive. The duo have combined to throw zero touchdowns and five interceptions in the first three exhibition games. Safe to say, Gore will be earning his money this season.

Source: NFL.com