Frank Gore and New England Patriots are perfect match

The New England Patriots have a need at running back but don’t have ample cap space. In that vein, Frank Gore could be the perfect fit.

When he retires, Frank Gore is going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Gore, who has played 13 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts, has amassed 14,026 rushing yards and 94 total touchdowns. The former ranks him fifth all-time, landing directly behind Curtis Martin, needing 76 yards to surpass him.

Still, the Colts are done with Gore, announcing their intent to let him test free agency in two weeks. The 34-year-old is an ancient relic by NFL standards, especially at the running back position. At this juncture, the former University of Miami star is looking for one more run at a ring, knowing the payday will be minuscule and the touches will be less frequent.

All of those factors point him squarely toward Foxborough, where the New England Patriots are ready and waiting.

Bill Belichick has thrived off acquiring veterans who were cast aside by others. Corey Dillon would be the best example for Gore, but there are many others. Gore might be inching toward his rocker, but he’s doing so while continuing to churn out 1,000-yard seasons. Since his rookie campaign of 2005, Gore has totaled a 1,000-season in each of the last 12 years. Despite playing without any semblance of a competent offensive line in Indianapolis, he averaged 78 total yards per game.

Last year, the Patriots received an average of 69.3 yards per game from Dion Lewis, and 51.8 per Rex Burkhead. With both scheduled to hit free agency, signing Gore to a one-year, low-dollar deal would be a coup for New England.

Considering Tom Brady will be 41 years old in August, the Patriots’ window is closing quickly. New England reportedly will have Rob Gronkowski back in 2018, and Julian Edelman is on schedule to make a full recovery from his torn ACL. The offense is set on the outside with Brandin Cooks and Chris Hogan, but needs a capable back. New England could do much worse than Gore, who has proven both durable and productive throughout his career.

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As for Gore, signing with New England would be a no-brainer. At his advanced age, a Super Bowl ring is the only line missing from Gore’s resumè.

What better place to fill in that blank than in New England?