Not long after the Philadelphia Eagles traded LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills, it appeared they had found a replacement in veteran running back Frank Gore. The Eagles made Gore a two-year offer that he reportedly accepted, but apparently he had second thoughts before the official free agency period began.
Instead, Gore has reportedly decided to get together with free agent wide receiver Andre Johnson and sign with the Indianapolis Colts. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Gore will sign a three-year, $12 million deal with Indy.
Why the sudden change of heart for the 31-year-old? According to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports, Gore has concerns about the state of the Eagles’ offense — especially after word surfaced that Jeremy Maclin is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition, Gore is said to have had second thoughts about Chip Kelly’s coaching philosophy.
A source said Gore also indicated to a friend he was concerned with what he heard about Kelly’s overbearing approach in Philly. Kelly’s intense, no-nonsense approach — which has helped make him successful throughout his college and professional coaching career — initially rubbed McCoy the wrong way, though McCoy and Kelly were able to patch up their relationship for a good part of their two seasons together. However, receiver DeSean Jackson and cornerback Cary Williams were among those who didn’t mesh well with Kelly’s philosophy, and Williams indicated Kelly’s lengthy, up-tempo practices were an issue for veterans who wanted to rest their bodies during the week.
There seems to be at least some truth behind the report that free agents have grown leery of Kelly over the past year and even more so after he traded LeSean McCoy. Gore obviously felt that the Colts presented him with a better situation and took advantage of the fact that no contract was officially signed.
