Frank Gore will be a free agent this offseason after three years in Indianapolis. He told the media that his decision to return to the Colts will depend on whether Andrew Luck comes back healthy.
We’ve already speculated a bit on what Frank Gore will decide regarding his future in Indianapolis, and whether he may call it a career after his 13th NFL season.
Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star talked to Frank Gore as the Colts begin their preparation for the regular season finale against Houston, and he made it clear that he wants to keep playing.
Frank Gore sounds pretty decisive: He intends to play in 2018.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 27, 2017
What will be the deciding factor in where he plays?
“Quarterback.”
Gore has accomplished nearly everything you could ask for during his Hall of Fame career, but he still doesn’t have a Super Bowl ring on his finger. It’s hard to see him accomplishing that goal in Indianapolis next season, but it sounds like he’d like to come back if Andrew Luck is healthy and ready to play in 2018.
Frank Gore says if Andrew Luck is healthy, returning to Indianapolis for a fourth season here and 14th overall is possible.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 27, 2017
I don’t know if we’ll get a clear answer on Andrew Luck’s status before free agency begins this offseason. He’s still in Europe undergoing alternative recovery, and he may require another shoulder surgery before it’s all over.
However, Frank Gore doesn’t seem to doubt the toughness of his Pro Bowl quarterback.
Frank Gore was amazingly blunt today about Andrew Luck:
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) December 27, 2017
"He’ll be back. He tough. He love the game. He’ll be fine."
"Shit, that quarterback tough. When he get healthy, shit, that’s a tough motherf-----."
The Colts have a ton of cap room available this offseason, and they’ll have plenty of top draft picks to acquire some high-level talent. It’s not out of the question that the Colts would be contenders with a healthy Andrew Luck next year.
Next: Colts Head Coaching Search Wish List: Dave Toub
If that’s the case, it sounds like Frank Gore could be back in Indianapolis for his fourth season with the Colts.