Why would the Niners give Frank Gore a Contract Extension?

Here's a lesson in NFL economics. San Francisco can effectively keep Frank Gore through the 2009 season without having to re-sign him. He has one year left on his rookie deal ($435,000), they can then give him the highest tender ($2.35 million) the following year, and if he still deserves it they can franchise him in 2009 (roughly $6.1 million). For an injury plagued player who played in every game this year, a first for him at the pro or collegiate player, this is a bad situation. Some around the 49ers believe Gore only "has three good seasons remaining before all the hits start to catch up to him." This means Gore may never reach the big payday that he deserves.

I suspect the 49ers will take care of him to some extent. Matt Maiocco references the Steelers, 4-year, $13.6 million contract. Gore could be looking at something similar, despite being the top rusher in the NFC and one of the league's top 5 backs.