Detroit Lions: Should they sign Frank Gore or DeMarco Murray?
By Matt Bosko
The Detroit Lions host free agent running backs DeMarco Murray and Frank Gore this week. Which back should the team sign?
The Detroit Lions are actively looking to upgrade their running back situation through free agency. Veteran DeMarco Murray visited the team Monday and Frank Gore has a visit scheduled today. It would be shocking if neither signed with the Lions.
Bob Quinn is taking a methodical approach to the running game. Rather than joining in on the spending frenzy for a younger back, Quinn is locked in on adding veteran leadership to the position. Running backs over the age of 30 will cost significantly less than the likes of Carlos Hyde and Jerick McKinnon and will have the experience to groom a new back.
That’s the one thing to keep in mind. Regardless of which player the Lions sign, they are not finished addressing the backfield. Neither player will be relied upon to be the workhorse. The main reason to bring in a savvy veteran like Murray or Gore is to groom new talent. The Lions will be drafting a running back next month, and his services will cost them next to nothing.
In terms of upside in production, the edge here is given to Murray. Both players are over 30 years old. Murray, however, is only 30 and the case can be made that he has some good years left in him. While splitting time with Derrick Henry last season, Murray played 15 games and rushed for 659 yards and six touchdowns. He can also catch out of the backfield, as the veteran hauled in 39 passes.
The ageless wonder that is Frank Gore would be a welcome addition to the Lions’ locker room. Gore is entering his 15th NFL season, and his wealth of knowledge and experience seems like the perfect fit for a team looking for a mentor. He will turn 35 by the start of next season, and that number is likely to keep his price tag conveniently low.
Gore has been as durable and reliable as they come in the NFL, playing in every game since 2011. Even with running behind a disastrous offensive line last year with the Indianapolis Colts, Gore nearly ran for 1,000 yards. Impressive, no doubt, but can he do it again?
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Given their approach, it doesn’t seem like either would be a bad move for the Lions. The slightest edge is given to Murray solely because of his age. He can still mentor a young running back. With less tread on the tires than Gore, Murray has a better chance to produce if the Lions need him to.