Derrick Gore is officially back in the fold for KC Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs had already secured the services of running back Derrick Gore earlier this offseason by extending him another contract for the 2022 season, but the young back made it official on Thursday by signing his deal for another year.

As an exclusive rights free agent, Gore had no other option than to play for the Chiefs—that is, if they wanted him to return—for the coming season since he has not yet accrued enough playing time at the pro level to earn any real leverage.

Next season, Gore will be a restricted free agent and can, at least, negotiate deals with other teams, although the Chiefs will retain the right of first refusal through the 2023 season with Gore.

Running back Derrick Gore is now officially back in the fold with the Kansas City Chiefs after signing his offer.

The Chiefs have remade the running back position this offseason by allowing Darrel Williams and Jerick McKinnon to leave in free agency, which meant the only holdovers are Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Gore. However, the team brought in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers back Ronald Jones to provide some competition for reps on running downs as a tough rusher between the tackles.

Gore showed considerable promise for the Chiefs as a back who can get outside and brings a varied skill set to a backfield that will likely see one more import at some point—perhaps with one of the team’s 12 draft picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Last season, Gore had 51 carries for 256 yards and 2 scores for the Chiefs in 11 games.