9 NFL Teams That Would Love to Trade for Frank Gore

Once the shortened NFL training camp period began, there was an immediate rush of holdouts. Among the most prominent was star San Francisco 49ers running back, Frank Gore. 

The two-time Pro Bowler is unhappy with his current contract, which expires at the end of the 2011 season.

Gore, who ended his holdout a couple weeks ago, is currently negotiating an extension with San Francisco 49ers general manager, Trent Baalke. 

Frank Gore has an unbridled passion for winning and will go to any extent to ensure that the San Francisco 49ers make the playoffs. That said, he has not played in a postseason game in 6 NFL seasons.

There are multiple reasons why San Francisco would entertain trading their best offensive player: if the 49ers decide they are in full rebuilding mode when the trade deadline approaches, if a contract extension hasn't been signed or if a younger 49er running back steps up.

At 28 years old, Gore's trade value wouldn't seem to be too high at this point, but that is just on the surface. Frank Gore has rushed the ball less than 1,400 times in 6 season. That is roughly 250 times more than Adrian Peterson. So, Gore still has some tread left in those tires.

His history of injury problems is a worry. After losing an entire season at Miami after tearing his ACL, the niggling injuries have yet to cease. And with NFL running backs enjoying some of the shortest lifespans in the league, there is cause for worry.

Update: After I started writing this article, reports surfaced that Frank Gore and the 49ers are far apart on extension negotiations and that he may soon request a trade.

Specific reports indicate that Gore is looking for DeAngelo Williams money (5 years, $43 million), though there is no official report on any demands he's made. If the 28-year old running back is looking for a five-year deal, at this point in his injury-shortened career, it simply won't happen. 

Today, I will take a look at nine teams that would love to trade for the superstar running back.  

9. Denver Broncos: John Fox Loves His Running Backs and Moreno Isn't Cutting It.

The Denver Broncos hired former Carolina Panthers head man, John Fox, to resurrect their stumbling franchise.

As underwhelming a decision as the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, John Elway decided to change the entire philosophy of a team currently struggling to contend with the rest of the AFC West. 

One thing that successful John Fox coached teams have in common is running the ball. The 2008 Carolina Panthers—who finished the season 12-4 before losing to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship—rushed the ball over 500 times (more than 55% of the time).

Compare that to the Panthers 2010 team that finished 2-14, who ran only 46% of the time.

The conclusion? Run the ball under John Fox, you are going to win games.

Right now the Denver Broncos do not have the running game that Fox's offense usually relies on. But they do have a history of vaunted rushing attacks (Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis.)

The latest back expected to continue that tradition of excellence, 2009 first round pick Knowshon Moreno, has failed to live up to his pre-draft expectations.

In two seasons, the former Georgia Bulldog has compiled barely over 1,700 total rushing yards and is averaging just four yards per rush. There is also evidence that the Denver Broncos are growing frustrated with his inability to bring his game to the next level.

Earlier this month the Broncos brought in former Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens running back, Willis McGahee, to challenge Moreno for the starting job.

Despite rushing for 1,000 yards in three of his first four seasons, McGahee has been well off that mark the last three seasons.

In fact, he had his worst season as a pro in 2010, rushing for less than 400 yards and less than four yards per carry.

Not exactly the type of running game that John Fox would have preferred to start with.

Frank Gore would fit perfectly into what Fox likes to do with his offense. The current San Francisco 49er has the ability to shoulder the load and is one of the best pass protecting running backs in the NFL. Another important aspect of Fox's offense game plan.

Gore would immediately become the team's No. 1 running back, and would give the Broncos another weapon to go along with their young offensive core.

The Broncos also have an intriguing target for the San Francisco 49ers in the form of Tim Tebow, who has fallen out of favor in Denver. Good thing he seems pretty straight-laced, since the scrutiny he's been subjected to would make the strongest man think about tappin' the Rockies, and sinking into blissful oblivion.

It probably wouldn't be a straight up deal as Denver would have to throw in a mid-round pick, but this seems to be a likely scenario if Gore is put on the market.

Denver Broncos Depth Chart

1. Knowshon Moreno

2. Willis Mcgahee

3. Lance Bell

4. Jeremiah Johnson 

8. Detroit Lions: Leshoure Injury Opens Up Hole at Running Back

The Detroit Lions got a steal when Mikel Leshoure fell to them in the second round of the 2011 draft. He had a great career at Illinois, and really looks like that cow-bell type of back that many Detroit fans have craved for the past couple seasons.

Earlier this month, the rookie running back tore the Achilles tendon in his left foot, and will be out for the entire 2011 season. 

It's a devastating injury to a team that could have seriously challenged the Green Bay Packers for the NFC North title this year. 

Jahvid Best has too slight a build to be an every-down type of back, so the Lions decided to bring in veterans: Mike Bell and Jerome Harrison. The combination of the three could carry the load for Detroit's up-and-coming offense, but it isn't an ideal situation.

Enter Frank Gore, who has the chops to be a No. 1 back this season. Durability issues aside, Gore has been one of the best all-around running backs in the entire league since his rookie season in 2006. He would give Matthew Stafford that protection in the backfield as well. 

Just imagine how good Gore would be if he actually had an above NFL starting quarterback with him in the backfield. Too often, the Pro Bowl running back has scene defensive schemes with eight in the box. This will not be a possibility with Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the rest of Detroit's offensive core.

Frank Gore wants to play for a contender and the Detroit Lions would be a viable destination should things deteriorate even more with the Niners.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart

1. Jahvid Best

2. Maurice Morris

3. Jerome Harrison

4. Ian Johnson

5. Mike Bell 

7. San Diego Chargers: Looking for a Complement to Phillip Rivers?

Sure, Ryan Matthews is a physical specimen. Sure, Mike Tolbert played very well last season.

However, both have had their issues, and the San Diego Chargers must be a little worried about their running game. 

San Diego traded up for the former Fresno State Bulldog Matthews in the 2009 draft. They gave up three picks and linebacker Tim Dobbins in the deal. So, they've got a bit of a vested interest in him having a breakout 2011 season. 

But, it would seem to be more of a stock market investment rather than the safer money market type at this point.

Matthews fumbled five times in 158 rookie rushing attempts; one of the worst fumble-per-carry ratios in the entire league. The second year player also struggled in pass protection a great deal last season.

Acquiring Frank Gore would enable Matthews to learn from a true professional, and give the San Diego Chargers that Pro Bowl running back they have been looking for since LaDanian Tomlinson left town prior to the 2010 season.

This would also seem like a perfect match for Gore. He would be able to stay in California, play for a Super Bowl contender, and have that elite quarterback he hasn't had with the Niners since, well, ever.

You put Frank Gore in San Diego's backfield and he immediately makes that offense even more difficult to stop than it already is.

Considering the Chargers were No. 1 in both offense and defense last season, Gore would make them an odds-on favorite to win the AFC Championship.

San Diego Chargers Depth Chart

1. Ryan Matthews

2. Mike Tolbert

3. Jordan Todman

4. Curtis Brinkley

6. New England Patriots: The Rich Always Look to Get Richer

The New England Patriots did draft Steven Ridley and Shane Vereen in April's draft. They also have BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead in the backfield. It would seem that the Patriots have no need for another running back.

Think again.

This is a franchise that doesn't mind stockpiling talent at their positions. They don't sit back and settle for leftovers. Most of the Patriots acquisitions have come via trade as well: Chad Ochocinco, Randy Moss, Albert Haynesworth and Deion Branch, to name a few.

If the Patriots can put a Pro Bowl caliber running back behind Tom "the franchise" Brady, there is absolutely no reason to believe that they wouldn't become even more explosive.

Gore also fits the New England Patriots offense scheme to a bone. He is one of the better receiving running backs in the entire league, giving Brady another option, especially if the pocket collapses, and he's forced to shovel a pass out to his back.

It isn't out of the realm of possibility that the Patriots would make a move for Gore if he becomes available.

At this point nothing surprises me in regards to the New England Patriots ability to continuously re-stock their roster. 

New England Patriots Depth Chart

1. BenJarvis Green-Ellis

2. Stevan Ridley

3. Danny Woodhead

4. Shane Vereen

5. Kevin Faulk

5. Arizona Cardinals: Beanie Wells Is Not the Answer!

Chris "Beanie" Wells took a huge step backwards in his second NFL season in 2010. Makes sense: everything associated with Ohio State seems to be on a downslope these days.

The former Buckeyes star started only two games, and ran for less than 400 yards in 13 games in 2010. It would seem that the Arizona Cardinals are not sold on him either. They picked up Ryan Williams in the second round of the 2011 draft.

While, I am a big fan of William's and think he will be a featured back in the league, there remains some uncertainty in regards to the Cardinals backfield.

Update: Ryan Williams ruptured his Patella in a gruesome injury. He was placed on injured reserve and will miss the entire 2011 season. 

Couple this with the fact that the Cardinals are starting a relatively inexperienced quarterback in Kevin Kolb and you have the makings for a shaky offense, at least early in the season.

Frank Gore would take some pressure off of Kevin Kolb and enable Ken Whisenhunt to get a better mix of run/pass on offense. The San Francisco 49ers running back would also act as a safety valve for Kolb in the passing game.

Now, saying a team "would love Frank Gore" and actually moving to trade for him are two entirely different stories. The 49ers have made trades within the division, but I doubt very much that they would entertain the possibility of having to face Gore twice a season. 

Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart

1. Chris "Beanie" Wells

2. Ryan Williams (out for season)

3. LaRod Stephens-Howling

4. Alfonso Smith

4. Miami Dolphins: Could Frank Gore Return to Florida? It Is Possible.

Gore and Bush in the same backfield (insert pun here) would make for the most exciting "running" since the 2000 presidential election. Especially considering that the Miami Dolphins are extremely strong at nearly every position aside from quarterback, adding another offensive weapon wouldn't hurt matters.

This is a talented team. The Dolphins could look to land Frank Gore in order to setup a "run it down your throat" offensive scheme: Frank Gore, Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush would be a nice running back by committee group. Thunder, thunder, lightning, so to speak.

The Dolphins will have a top-10 ranked defense, so adding a nice controlled offense to the mix makes them a possibility to compete in the competitive AFC East. Frank Gore would also be returning to his Miami roots after starring for the Hurricanes in college. 

The issue with a Gore-to-Miami scenario would be the fact that Miami has invested picks on both Reggie Bush (trade with New Orleans) and Daniel Thomas (2nd round pick in 2011). They seem intent on building within the organization to an extent, so this marriage may never happen.

That said, South Beach is a place where stars come to shine. The Dolphins already have Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall on the roster. 

Frank Gore would add another dimension to an offense that continues to struggle in the passing game. 

Miami Dolphins Depth Chart

1. Reggie Bush

2. Daniel Thomas

3. Lex Hilliard

4. Kory Sheets

3. Green Bay Packers: An Elite Running Back Would Make the Packers Unstoppable

Ryan Grant is a serviceable running back in the NFL and compiled two consecutive 1,000 yard seasons before missing nearly all of the 2010 season to injury. The Packers also have a young gem in the 2010 draft pick, James Starks—who was very impressive during their Super Bowl run. 

It must be noted that the Packers love to build through the draft, and don't usually step into the free agent/trade market. That said, they are built to win right now and the addition of Frank Gore would make them favorites to repeat in 2011. 

Aaron Rodgers is a top-5 NFL quarterback (ask the Niners how they feel about picking Alex Smith over Rodgers in the '05 draft).

Adding an elite running back, who could give them excellent production if even for just a couple of seasons, could start the ball rolling on another Packers dynasty.

Green Bay appear to be one of the top teams in the NFC once again this season. So, why not add one of the better running backs to an elite offensive unit? It would appear that a Frank Gore-Green Bay Packers marriage would work perfectly for both sides. 

Imagine an offense with: Aaron Rodgers, Frank Gore, Ryan Grant, Jermichael Finley, Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. They would rival the Green Bay Packers of the mid-1990s. 

Green Bay Packers Depth Chart

1. Ryan Grant

2. James Starks

3. Alex Green

4. Dimitri Nance 

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2. Indianapolis Colts: This Team Cannot Rely Solely on Peyton Manning Anymore

It is hard to imagine a player more valuable to his team than Peyton Manning is to the Indianapolis Colts.

He is a one-man show on offense and makes everyone on the team better simply by his presence and leadership. 

Unfortunately, Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted earlier this week that Manning will likely miss the start of the season, and may not be ready for the season opener against the Houston Texans, who are the Colts' main AFC South rival.

Manning, who has never missed a game in 11 NFL seasons, is 35 years old and doesn't have that great offensive line to rely on anymore. It appears that age has finally caught up to him.

In order for the Colts to maintain this level of excellence (138-54 since 1999), they will have to get better production from their running game in order to complement the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback.

Right now the Colts two primary running backs are Joseph Addai and Donald Brown—not exactly the type of combination to make defenses quiver.

Brown has rushed for only 778 yards during his first two NFL seasons, and has averaged less than four yards per carry. Addai, on the other hand, has missed considerable time to injury in two of the last three seasons and hasn't rushed for 1,000 yards since 2007.

With a healthy Peyton Manning on board, the Indianapolis Colts are always going to be contenders for the Super Bowl. He's one of the best quarterbacks to ever put on an NFL uniform.

However, the Colts desperately need to find a running game to help him. We are not looking at a 28-year-old quarterback Manning anymore.

He needs to have that mix on offense in order to compete with the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC. Without it, you are looking at the Colts being a perennial playoff team that misses out on a chance at the Super Bowl.

Despite their success the Colts have only brought him one Lombardi Trophy during Manning's tenure. They owe him an opportunity at a least one more and bringing Gore in would help a lot. 

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart

1. Joseph Addai

2. Donald Brown

3. Delone Carter

4. Javarris James

1. Washington Redskins: Mike Shanahan Doesn't Have That "Bell Cow" Right Now!

The Washington Redskins seem to be lacking proven talent on offense this season. They do have a nice core of young players in running backs Roy Helu, Leonard Hankerson and Niles Paul, but it's foolhardy to count on rookies to be your primary offensive weapons.

At least, if you're any other team than the Patriots.

Couple that with the fact that John Beck and Rex Grossman, two average NFL quarterbacks, are vying for the starting position and you have the makings of a bad offense. 

We all know that Mike Shanahan likes his running backs. This was proven with the wide array of 1,000 yard rushers he had with the Denver Broncos. 

Who knows, Helu may be that type of running back that seems to excel under Shanahan. The former Super Bowl-winning head coach usually looks to find mid-round gems at the running back position: Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis, Tatum Bell and Peyton Hillis in Denver.

Right now the Redskins have to be considered the weakest team in a strong NFC East division. They don't have to talent to compete with the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, while appearing to be a step behind of the Dallas Cowboys.

If they are able to add Frank Gore to the mix that would take a lot of pressure off of their starting quarterback (whoever he is) and give the offense an added dimension.

The Redskins are never shy about trading for what is perceived to be top talent: Donovan McNabb and Clinton Portis. If the San Francisco 49ers were to put Frank Gore on the market I believe that Washington would be one of the first teams to call. However, the interest has to be mutual and I don't think Gore would want to go to another struggling offense at this stage in his career.

Washington Redskins Depth Chart

1. Tim Hightower

2. Ryan Torain 

3. Keiland Williams

4. Roy Helu

5. James Davis

6. Evan Royster