Two seasons removed from their ill-fated trade for Trent Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts have finally found a backfield star.
The Colts announced Tuesday that they have agreed to terms with former San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore. The deal includes $8.5 million in guarantees, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Gore, 31, pulled out of a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles that would have resulted in $7.5 million in guarantees.
Although Gore has University of Miami connections to coach Chuck Pagano and associate head coach Rob Chudzinski, the five-time Pro Bowl tailback told NFL Media analyst LaDainian Tomlinson that offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton was the big draw.
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.
Gore no longer boasts breakaway speed, but 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 Andrew Luck.
The Colts can further aid Luck by convincing fellow Hurricanes star Andre Johnson to sign the dotted line as Reggie Wayne's replacement. Johnson visited team headquarters, along with Gore, on Tuesday.
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