News & Info/Headlines

Supporting Cast, Coaching Staff Convinced Gore To Join Colts

Written By Bob Harris | fantasy football | Posted 10-Mar-15 @ 19:14 PT

Did the Colts finally find themselves a true workhorse running back? The Colts announced that they have agreed to terms with former 49ers running back Frank Gore.

And now, two seasons removed from their ill-fated trade for Trent Richardson, fantasy football owners might have a viable prospect in what could become one of the league's most dangerous offenses.

Gore, 31, pulled out of a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles that would have resulted in $7.5 million in guarantees. His deal with the Colts includes $8.5 million in guarantees, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

According to FOXSports.com's Mike Garafolo, Gore told friends he was more intrigued by the chance to play in the Colts' offense than with the Eagles' personnel, and that's part of the reason he pulled out of an expected deal with Philly.

Gore's decision earlier Monday came a day after Gore informed the Eagles he was going to sign with the team in free agency, filling the void left when Philadelphia last week agreed to trade running back LeSean McCoy to Buffalo in exchange for linebacker Kiko Alonso.

But later Sunday, news broke that receiver Jeremy Maclin was leaving the Eagles to join the Kansas City Chiefs via free agency.

The Eagles, who swapped Nick Foles for Sam Bradford earlier Tuesday, also have an unsettled quarterback situation, whereas the Colts have Andrew Luck under center, T.Y. Hilton taking the top off of defenses and tight end Coby Fleener coming into his own.

And while Gore has University of Miami connections to coach Chuck Pagano and associate head coach Rob Chudzinski, the five-time Pro Bowl tailback told NFL Network analyst LaDainian Tomlinson that offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton was the big draw.

Indeed, as NFL.com's Chris Wesseling suggests, Gore is an excellent fit in Indianapolis, where Hamilton been trying to implement a reliable power-running scheme since the trade for Richardson in September of 2013.

For all of the handwringing over the Colts' offensive line, Indy backs have averaged close to 5.0 yards per carry -- with the exception of Richardson -- since that trade.

Wesseling went on to note that while Gore no longer boasts breakaway speed, he has averaged more rushing yards per season (1,165) since age 28 than he did in his first six years (1,069) in the league. His pass-blocking excellence and short-yardage prowess will be a boon to Luck.

Now we'll see if the Colts can further bolster Luck by adding fellow former Hurricane Andre Johnson to as Reggie Wayne's replacement. Johnson visited team headquarters, along with Gore, on Tuesday.