Running back Frank Gore hopes to receive a new long-term deal from the San Francisco 49ers before the Sept. 11 season opener. Such a commitment wouldn't be unprecedented from a franchise that rewarded All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis last year and then tight end Vernon Davis on the eve of the 2010 opener at Seattle. "Hopefully it will get done soon. Hopefully it will get done before the season," Gore said before Tuesday's practice. "If it don't, I've just got to go play. If I have to be a free agent, I'll be a free agent." Gore certainly will seek a contract comparable to the five-year, $43 million deal that Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams -- 20 days older than the 49ers' star -- recently received from the Panthers. That includes $21 million guaranteed. Williams was sidelined for 10 games last season with a sprained right foot. "I hope they do (reward me)," Gore said. "If they don't, I'll become a free agent." Source: NFL.com
