Adam Gase and the New York Jets have decided to sign veteran running back Frank Gore to a one-year deal for the 2020 season.
Adam Gase is a Frank Gore fan; there are no two ways about that fact.
On Tuesday, the New York Jets and the veteran running back agreed to a one-year deal that’ll combine him with Le’Veon Bell and rookie La’Mical Perine for the 2020 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, per Rosenhaus Sports.
The #Jets are signing potential future Hall of Fame RB Frank Gore to a 1-year deal, per @RosenhausSports.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 5, 2020
“The Jets are signing potential future Hall of Fame RB Frank Gore to a 1-year deal, per Rosenhaus Sports,” Rapoport tweeted.
Gore, 36, will turn 37 on May 14. At this point in his career, he’s an extra body at the position without any expectation other than helping the running back room come along the right way. In his 30s, Gore has helped young backs Carlos Hyde, Marlon Mack, Kenyan Drake, and Devin Singletary find success. Perhaps La’Mical Perine will be the next beneficiary of Gore’s tutelage.
With practice time being held to an all-time low this offseason, Gore’s experience and familiarity with Gase’s offense should aid players who are new to the system. On gamedays, Gore will likely be utilized in small spurts for a quick jolt of downhill power, similar to Bilal Powell in 2019 (who averaged 3.3 rush attempts when Le’Veon Bell was healthy).
In 16 games for the Buffalo Bills a year ago, Gore rushed for 599 yards and 2 touchdowns on 166 attempts (3.6 yards-per-carry). The 2018 season, however, is where this Jets signing is tied together with a pretty bow.
Gore rushed for 722 yards in 2018 (4.6 yards-per-carry) for the Miami Dolphins and head coach Adam Gase, who is the no-doubt-about-it connection in this new marriage. Gase, having both Gore and Kenyan Drake, was often criticized for playing the veteran over the youngster far too often in South Beach. Gase also worked with Gore in San Francisco in 2008.
Under Gase in 2018, Gore ranked eighth out of 46 qualified running backs with 3.29 yards after contact per carry. In 2019, Gore dropped to 42nd of 45 qualifiers with a mark of 2.44.
Pass-protection is an area where Gore can help once in a while. Gore allowed just two pressures over 37 snaps in protection with Buffalo.
Gore represents an anomaly in the NFL—a longtime veteran running back who mirrors a Vince Carter in the NBA. The once stud back for Miami University and the San Francisco 49ers (from 2005 through 2014, five Pro Bowls), will be entering his 16th NFL season this summer with the New York Jets.
