Ex-49er Gore signs with Jets.
Frank Gore, the former 49ers running back who ranks third on the NFL’s career list for rushing yards, has signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets.
The Jets will be Gore’s fourth team in four seasons.
“Truly a Blessing!!!” Gore wrote on Twitter. “Let’s Go JETS! #ForeverGrinding!!”
New York had not yet announced the signing, which reunites Gore with coach Adam Gase, for whom he played in Miami in 2018. The two were also together with the 49ers in 2008, when Gase was an offensive assistant under Mike Nolan.
Gore, who will turn 37 next week, spent last season with Buffalo, where he had career lows with 599 yards and 3.6 yards per carry in 16 games while sharing the backfield with rookie Devin Singletary. The veteran had two touchdown runs and also caught 13 passes for 100 yards.
On a 6-yard run in a Week 12 victory over Denver, Gore passed Barry Sanders for third place on the all time rushing list. With 15,269 yards, he trails only Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726).
In Gore’s latest stop in the AFC East — he has played for every team except New England — he will serve as a backup to Le’Veon Bell and a mentor to fourth-round draft pick La’Mical Perine.
A third-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2005, Gore averaged 1,100 rushing yards over 10 seasons and scored 75 touchdowns. He helped the 49ers reach the postseason on three occasions. He ran for 110 yards in Super Bowl Bowl XLVII. He is a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
Since leaving the 49ers, Gore has spent three seasons with Indianapolis, and one-year stints with Miami and Buffalo.
Hall of Fame material?
Last December the esteemed Peter King discussed his chances in favorable terms.
“He’s an absolute outlier in NFL history,” King wrote, “a guy who, as (some) say, was never considered the best or second-best back but had a valiant and incredibly productive career after both knees and both shoulders had been reconstructed.”
King pointed out that from 200616, Gore averaged 1,132 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per rush, and 15.1 games per year. He also pointed out that the top 12 rushers in NFL history are either in the Hall of Fame or will be (Adrian Peterson).
“I think Gore has done enough,” King concluded, “but it’ll be up to the 48 voters in 2026 or so to decide. A suggestion to those voters: Don’t be stupid.”