NFL free agency update: Frank Gore returns to Miami on 1-year deal
By Jon Benne
Frank Gore is back in his hometown of Miami, signing a one-year deal with the Dolphins.
Frank Gore is coming home, signing a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. The 34-year-old running back is back in his hometown, where he starred in college for the University of Miami. This will likely be the last stop for the potential future Hall of Famer.
Gore ranks fifth all-time with 14,026 rushing yards, and he’ll probably pass Curtis Martin (14,101) for fourth this season. He’s been a consistent workhorse for both the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts, reaching 1,000 yards for nine out of 13 seasons.
Gore’s durability has been remarkable considering the major injuries he suffered over the years. He tore both ACLs in college and fractured his hip in 2010, but stayed healthy ever since. Gore hasn’t missed a single start since the 2011 season.
With all that said, Father Time is undefeated in football, and Gore is no exception. He averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season, clearly wearing down behind the Colts’ makeshift offensive line. Gore also scored just four touchdowns, his lowest total since his 2005 rookie year, where he scored three.
The good news is that he won’t have to be an every-down back in Miami, where Kenyan Drake emerged as a strong starter last season. Being a change-of-pace runner will help save his legs and prevent further wear and tear. He also fits into the “culture change” the Dolphins have been pushing all offseason.
Contract details
It’s a 1-year deal for Frank Gore. Back where it all started https://t.co/sY9YbUEioZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 22, 2018
National reaction
Nostalgia aside, Frank Gore is a good signing for the Dolphins. They like Kenyan Drake but need a consistent, veteran back to work in with him. Few are better for that role than Gore. Mr. Consistency on the field and hard work off of it.
— Will Manso (@WillManso) March 22, 2018
Frank Gore has played in all 112 games over the past seven seasons, logging five or more carries in every one of them. The dude went from oft-injured to indestructible.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 22, 2018
BTW, Frank Gore hasn't missed a single game in 6 years despite his age. Gore is a perfect guy to mentor Drake. Also, this may not preclude the Dolphins from still drafting a back as Gase likes to have a lot of different options at RB
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) March 22, 2018
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Grade
Gore is a beloved veteran, and coming home to Miami is a great feel-good story. He’s beaten the doubters at every turn. However, there are a few reasons to be skeptical. The Dolphins are in this weird limbo where they seemingly can’t decide if they’re rebuilding or contending, so they try to do both and will likely succeed at neither. Signing another aging player only adds to the confusion.
Those concerns aside, it’s only for one year and Gore can still play, even if his best days are clearly behind him. Hard to get too worked up about this.
Grade: B