49ers Intent on Bringing Back Frank Gore

On the heels of reports that the Indianapolis Colts would be “shoo-ins” to sign running back Frank Gore, the San Francisco 49ers have responded. Today 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said that they were very interested in having the talented running back on their 2015 roster.

Yesterday, we heard that the Colts were the clear front runners for Gore. This was primarily due to the coaching connections with Miami University, where Gore went to college. Both Chuck Pagano and Rob Chudzinski coached at the U.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Baalke said that he has reached out to Gore to discuss the team’s plans going forward. Via ProFootballTalk.com.

"“It’s at the same place it was the last time we talked,” Baalke said. “We’re still working on it. It’s not something that’s going to get done yesterday. It’ll take some time to resolve. It’s our intention to have Frank back.”"

The 49ers have already had a busy offseason with the “mutual parting of ways” with coach Jim Harbaugh. Baalke refused to answer any questions regarding the firing parting  at today’s press conference.

The Colts are hoping to bolster a depleted running back unit with Gore as the headliner. Even though he turns 32 in May, Gore is still a talented running back and would help any team he joins.

Gore rushed for 1,106 yards last season and four touchdowns. He’s eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark in eight of his 10 seasons.

This recent news would certainly put a wrench into what sounded like an easy task to add Gore to the roster. Gore isn’t the sort of player that is worth getting into a bidding war over at this point in his career.

Gore made $6.45 million last season but with his age and slightly declining numbers, its unlikely that he’ll make anything near that mark. He would add a proven veteran presence to the position, something the Colts haven’t had in years.

It would be interesting to see how Gore performs out of the defensive grindfest of the NFC West and in a pass first style offense. Gore hasn’t had the second factor for the entirety of his career.

Regardless of what Gore decides to do, the Colts need to address the running back position during the offseason. This is a deep draft for RBs and there are a few more options in free agency.