Two-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore hopes to receive a new long-term deal from the San Francisco 49ers before the season opener.
Such a commitment wouldn't be unprecedented from a franchise that rewarded All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis last year and then tight end Vernon Davis on the eve of the 2010 opener at Seattle.
"Hopefully it will get done soon. Hopefully it will get done before the season," Gore said before Tuesday's practice. "If it don't, I've just got to go play. If I have to be a free agent, I'll be a free agent."
Davis signed a five-year extension worth $37 million overall, including $34 million guaranteed -- making him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history. In May 2010, Willis received a five-year, $50 million contract extension that takes him through the 2016 season and includes $29 million in guaranteed money. He earns $10 million per season.
Gore's situation is slightly different considering he missed the final five games last season with a fractured right hip sustained during a Nov. 29 game at Arizona. He avoided surgery after doctors told him he likely could return to form with rehabilitation.
Gore, who held out for the first four days of training camp, said he hasn't received any word from the team on a potential extension. He spent several minutes chatting with 49ers general manager Trent Baalke as Tuesday's practice began.
"I couldn't tell you where that stands right now, but I'm confident there will be something fair worked out hopefully soon," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Tuesday night.
Gore certainly will seek a contract comparable to the five-year, $43 million deal that running back DeAngelo Williams -- who's 20 days older than the 49ers' star -- recently received from the Carolina Panthers. That includes $21 million guaranteed. Williams was sidelined for 10 games last season with a sprained right foot.
"I hope they do (reward me)," Gore said. "If they don't, I'll become a free agent."
Gore insists he feels like his old self again and is completely healthy.
"What do you think?" Gore said with a grin.
Gore begins the season third on the franchise's career rushing list. He needs 931 yards to be No. 1, but he said that's not his top priority.
Late Hall of Famer Joe Perry is San Francisco's leader in rushing yards (7,344) and rushing touchdowns (50).
Gore and the rest of the 49ers will wear Perry's No. 34 on their helmets this season. Perry, the first player with back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and nicknamed "The Jet" for his sensational speed, died in April at age 84.
"That is one of my goals. Hopefully I'll stay healthy and get it done," Gore, 28, said of topping Perry's mark. "I feel good. I feel like the 22-year-old Frank Gore, ready to take the load, ready to play. I feel like I can score any time I touch the ball. I can block anybody I've got to block. I'm just trying to get the offense down pat and get ready for Seattle."
Gore ran for 853 yards and three touchdowns in his sixth NFL season and caught 46 passes for 452 yards and two TDs. Gore's 24 100-yard rushing games are the most in 49ers history.
"I see a very buoyant guy when he's out there on the field. He loves to take reps," Harbaugh said. "He's a joy to be out on the practice field with because he really loves football. ... He's a tireless worker out there."
Gore isn't accustomed to seeing much action in the preseason, but Harbaugh wanted to see the running back play. Gore was on the field for the first seven plays in a 24-3 loss at New Orleans last Friday night, carrying four times for 20 yards. He typically only takes part in a handful of snaps total during the preseason.
"I was hoping not to play because I feel like I like to work hard in practice," Gore said. "But I was happy that Coach had me out there for a couple plays, just to get some hits in and get up to speed in a game again. I didn't want to come out, really."
Harbaugh will get with Gore this week to determine how much, if any, he will play Saturday night against the Oakland Raiders.
Also Tuesday, the 49ers were still contemplating whether or not to sign veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who worked out for the team one day earlier.
Harbaugh said the team would bring in some other quarterbacks for workouts but said, "I wouldn't rule that out" when asked about the possibility of Culpepper joining the team. NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora cited a league source in reporting Monday night that if Culpepper signs with the 49ers, it's unlikely to come until next week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
