Progress Made Regarding New Deal For Frank Gore?

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group reports Frank Gore may have changed his approach towards pursuing a new contract as he seems to be allowing the process to work its way out.

“These things take time,” said Gore. “I’m looking at it like a normal day of meetings and practice. Hopefully they meet and positive things get done. If not, we’ll keep going.”

It’s an interesting turn of events considering that the amount of frustration that he had shown leading up to his meeting with San Francisco’s front office yesterday. You could hypothesize or speculate that the talks between the two sides are progressing.

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The San Francisco 49ers and Frank Gore are set to meet sometime today to discuss Gore current contract and a possible extension. So reports have mentioned that Gore could request to be traded if the team doesn’t meet his contract requirements.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was asked about the possiblity of Gore requesting a trade out of San Francisco.

“Whether the player is Gore or Chris Johnson, or anyone, just because he requests a trade doesn’t mean it’s going to happen,” writes Schefter. “The 49ers are not about to trade Gore, certainly not for the value he would bring in return. What do you think another team would surrender for a near 30-year-old running back who wants a lucrative contract extension? Whatever it is, it’s not much, and it’s far less value than Gore brings to San Francisco. He can ask for a trade all season. Doesn’t mean it’s happening.”

These types of situations are almost always determined by the party that has the most leverage and in this situation in particular, it’s not Gore who has the leverage. Next years free agent class has a number of great players at the running back position and Gore just happens to be the oldest and most injury player of that group. Gore is still a good player but the team is beginning to see some progress being made by players like Anthony Dixon and Kendall Hunter so unlike years past, they have alternative options. Gore most likely will not be pleased with their offer but should realize that his best opportunity is likely to be in San Francisco.