The Detroit Lions reportedly brought in free agent running backs Jonathan Stewart and DeMarco Murray earlier in the week. Stewart is expected to sign with the Giants, while the jury is still out on Murray, who is expected to meet with the Seahawks later in the week.
In the meantime, the Lions continue to look at very similar backs. According to NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala, Detroit will be bringing in veteran back Frank Gore for a visit this week:
B/c I clearly have a special affinity for the plus-30 crowd... RB Frank Gore has a visit set w/ the Detroit Lions this week. (Side note: That might break @PSchrags’ heart.)
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 14, 2018
Gore is one of the free agent backs we mentioned as a possible target last week. Here’s what I said about him back then:
They say that Father Time is undefeated in football, but Frank Gore is pushing the limits to that theory. Despite starting in at least 10 games in 12 straight seasons, Gore is still rushing at an impressive rate. While it’s true he hasn’t finished with a yards per carry above 4.0 in three years, it would be hard to blame him considering he’s been behind one of the worst offensive lines in Indianapolis.
Gore has rushed for at least 900 yards in every season since 2011, but he will be 35 by the time the 2018 season starts.
Like the others, Gore has a punishing running style, and he also brings pass-catching abilities. But it’s hard to imagine Gore keeping this kind of production up, even though he has been doubted year after year.
Either way, it certainly seems like the Lions have their type when it comes to free agent running backs. They’re clearly looking for a short-term option that brings veteran experience and a physical nature to his game.