Kevin,

I think we're at cross purposes here. I am for bringing in a banger like Toby Gerhart, someone to do what Brandon Jacobs was supposed to do last year, whether that means specifically signing Gerhart or via another route like the draft. I agree with you that it is smart to make such a move in case Hunter doesn't bounce back all the way. Frank Gore needs a complementary back to share carries more often as he gets up in years. That's been clear and uncontested for a couple of years now.

But I wanted to repeat the idea that Gore now appears to have more miles left in the tank than one might have guessed a short while ago, and that the primary running back position is therefore not necessarily an immediate "position of need." I appreciate that when you used the phrase just now you were talking about the complementary back position, however I'm also conscious that you've been one of those putting a very short estimate on Gore's likely longevity since his first years with the team. I shared your concerns in that regard for quite a while, but over the last two years, precisely because his workload has been better managed (and because he's been helped by improved blocking), I've come to see him not only as a typical 10-year player, but someone who might now actually have a longer-than-average NFL career, a la Bettis or Allen.

This isn't idol worship - though it's close! - and I'm not thinking in protective terms. If the team drafts a better back this April or otherwise replaces Gore with a better option, I say bully ho, let's go. However, as I said, I think the team could also get by perfectly well with him at the top of the depth chart for another year or two.

Last Edited By: Win80 02/13/13 10:01 PM. Edited 1 times.