The 2015 NFL free agency period is just about to start, and already the rumors are flying with reports that running back Frank Gore is having second thought about his plans to join the Philadelphia Eagles.
The running back had been linked to the Eagles, with reports that he was ready to sign with the team once free agency started. But now he is apparently backing out of the deal, with reports saying he has stopped contract talks and will look at other offers.
Free agent shocker: Frank Gore reconsiders potential/pending deal with the #Eagles , I’m told.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2015
Some are speculating that another team jumped on the Eagles offer during the three-day window when teams can discuss deals with free agents. Nothing becomes official until the new NFL year begins on Tuesday and the players hit free agency officially, so there is really not anything stopping a team from looking at the Eagles offer and topping it.
The Yahoo! Sports blog Shutdown Corner assesses the situation.
“Is that what happened with Frank Gore ? The San Francisco 49ers ‘ all-time leading rusher reportedly had a deal in place with the Philadelphia Eagles and even contract details (three years, $7.5 million guaranteed over the first two years) were leaked. Then all of a sudden, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said that Gore was having second thoughts. Rapoport said Gore reconsidered his deal with the Eagles, and the Indianapolis Colts were mentioned as a potential suitor.”
It’s a situation the NFL isn’t too happy about. The league is reportedly upset that the exact details of contract agreements have been leaking days before the free agency period officially begins, and has reportedly let teams know that such leaks are unacceptable.
Source: The NFL sent a letter to all 32 teams stating their displeasure w/ the release of contract terms prior to the start of free agency.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 9, 2015
If the 2015 NFL free agency rumor regarding Frank Gore is true, it could leave the Philadelphia Eagles in a difficult situation. The team traded away No. 1 back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Kiko Alonso, and Gore was expected to take a major role.
The Eagles could still have backfield options, including free agents C.J. Spiller and DeMarco Murray , who are both free agents.
The 2015 NFL free agency rumors only have a few more hours to percolate. The free agency period officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
[Image via Chat Sports]