In an exclusive interview with the team’s website, Jets GM Joe Douglas commented for the first time on the team’s signing of veteran running back Frank Gore on May 5.
“We’re really excited about not only the production he’s brought in his career but we’re really excited about the chemistry he’s going to bring to the running backs room and to the locker room,” Douglas said.
Douglas is really excited about Gore being a mentor to the team’s young running backs.
“When we talk about a player that has been a top-tier rusher in this league and also has a great work ethic, a true pro, he’s really going to help the guys like La’Mical Perine, Josh Adams and Kenny Dixon,” said Douglas.
“It’s a relatively young running back room right now behind Le’Veon (Bell), so he’s definitely going to help those young guys and he’s going to be a great example for them moving forward.”
Some might wonder why the team needs a leader and mentor in the running back room when they have the 28-year-old Bell, who is entering his 7th season.
Douglas said Adam Gase’s relationship with Gore from Miami was a big factor in the player signing with the Jets.
“It’s exciting to add a player of his caliber and a person of his caliber to our team and I know the relationship that he had with Coach Gase at Miami was a big reason that he decided to come here, so we’re very excited to add him to the room,” said Douglas.
Prior to signing Gore, Gase had said they wanted to find a running back to provide a “one-two punch” with Bell.
“Hopefully, we can get some of the younger backs to where we can make a good one-two punch to where we can really excel instead of feeling like it’s just all on him all the time,” Gase said on Rich Cimini’s podcast.
Gore will turn 37 on May 14.
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