No, I promise you it's for real this time. Just two days after it was reported Gore would sign with the Philadelphia Eagles, he had a change of heart. Gore signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, finding a much more suitable situation to finish his career.
It certainly is a better situation on paper for Gore. Instead of staring at Nick Foles or Mark Sanchez handing the ball off to him or closing his eyes to avoid watching them throw the football, he gets to work with the best, young quarterback in the game.
Gore won't be asked to face heavier boxes like he would in Philadelphia. Luck has attempted 600-plus passes in two of the past three seasons, including 616 last season. This is an offense built around Luck spreading the ball around to T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, Dwayne Allen and likely Andre Johnson as reported by Lance Zierlein.
While Gore won't see the 250-plus carries he saw each of the past four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, he easily surpasses ahead of everyone on the Colts depth chart. Given his success in pass-protection and his ability to find a hole and rip off chunks of yards, he should see at least 200 carries this season.
When Indianapolis' offensive line first gets over the initial shock of having a running back who can see running lanes, they will help Gore move the ball and bring a real running game to this offense. Indianapolis finished 14th in run-blocking by by Pro Football Focus last season. However, that should improve this season thanks to the addition of right guard Todd Herremans, who has been an excellent run-blocker throughout his career, before having a down season last year.
There will be concern over Gore's age and over 2,600 carries throughout his career. It's natural to think his body is worn down given how running backs age, but Gore is a classic, hard-nosed back who continues to find success as he ages. The Colts have one of the best offenses in football and Gore will have plenty of opportunities for carries and touchdowns. You should feel secure in having him as an RB2 this season.