New San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula broke some news during the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday. The first-year head man indicated that the team has started contract discussions with both running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
Both Gore and Crabtree are pending free agents, However, general manager Trent Baalk indicated Wednesday that it was the 49ers’ priority to re-sign their own talent.
Tomsula echoed this sentiment…
Yeah. I mean that’s going on right now. Frank Gore, we talk about all the things that he has — you mentioned the leadership and the passion and all those things — but let’s not overlook that he is a prolific running back in the National Football League. I’m a big Frank Gore guy. I know those talks are ongoing now, starting this week along with our other free agents.
Elaborating further on the contract discussions, Tomsula shared this…
Those talks are happening this week. I don’t have the checkbook, so I’m not in those particular conversations, but I do know that leaving San Francisco, heading to the airport the other day, that everything was lined up to talk to all of our people.
At 31 year old, Gore is still running strong after 10 seasons with the 49ers. Over his impressive career, the former third-round pick has rushed for 11,073 yards and 64 touchdowns. He’s also averaging a solid 4.5 yards per carry. Truly a durable running back, Gore has missed a total of 10 games in his career.
The 27-year-old Crabtree has been with the 49ers for six seasons. He’s totaled 4,327 yards and 347 receptions during that span.
While much speculation has floated around recently regarding the team not planning on keeping either player, this is positive news as free agency approaches.
Photo: CSN Bay Area