Arizona Cardinals: Frank Gore Intriguing Free Agent Option

Averaging only 81.8 rushing yards per contest, the Arizona Cardinals had the 31^st ranked run game in the NFL last season. Second-year back Andre Ellington carried the load for most of the year, but injuries held him back all season, and his 3.3 yards per carry average was far from impressive. The Cardinals should look to find a running back to compliment Ellington this off season. While there are many options both in free agency and the draft, 10-year veteran Frank Gore appears to be a near perfect fit.

Gore has been a workhorse back for the San Francisco 49ers throughout his career. He is the leading rusher in 49ers’ history with 11,073 yards (career 4.53 yards per carry average), and his 64 career rushing touchdowns also tops the 49ers’ all-time list.

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With a physical running style and underrated speed, Gore has powered his way to an incredible career. As great as Gore has been, the 49ers drafted his probable replacement, Carlos Hyde, in the second round of the draft last season. After a solid rookie year, Hyde appears primed to take over a full-load of carries for the 49ers in 2015, leaving the team with less of a need for Gore in his free agent season. While he could always return to San Francisco, all signs point to the 49ers being ready to move on without Gore.

Gore’s powerful running style would be a perfect complement to Ellington’s speed and elusiveness. Ellington is still a very talented runner, who should be an important piece for the Cardinals once again next season. That being said, at 5-foot-10, 199 pounds, he does not appear to be the type of back who can carry the ball 20+ times per game. Injuries held Ellington back throughout 2014, and the Cardinals would be wise to look and limit his touches next season to prevent that from happening again.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports recently reported that Gore was looking to get $4 million a year in free agency. While that is not a cheap price for a 31-year-old running back, with Larry Fitzgerald heavily restructuring his contract, and Carson Palmer considering doing the same, the Cardinals have the money to be strong players in free agency this off season.

I image that Fitzgerald and Palmer would be very happy to see the Cardinals spend some of the money they saved the franchise on a proven running back like Gore.

Now, signing a running back in free agency is always a little risky, especially one who is over 30-years-old. The running back position has become much less valued in recent years, and production at the position typically takes a significant dive after the age of 30. However, if the Cardinals can land Gore on a one (or even two) year deal making a little less than $4 million per season, the franchise would still be fine if there really is not much left in his tank.

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

There certainly would be some potential downside with this move, but Gore has not shown any signs of wearing down yet. He rushed for 1,106 yards with a 4.3 yards per carry average last season. More importantly, Gore looked as powerful as ever for the 49ers in the 2014 season, and the Cardinals would not have to rely on him as a full-time back.

Simply put, the upside outweighs the downside for the Cardinals here. With Ellington already established, Arizona could use Gore in more of a limited role than what he is used to with the 49ers. This would allow Gore to continue to be productive and stay fresh in the later years of his career.

The Cardinals need a powerful back to partner with Ellington, and there is not a player available who complements their speed back better than Gore.

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