Frank Gore

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

(Tony Avelar)

Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, when introducing his new quarterback Sam Bradford earlier this month, was enthusiastic about what the former St. Louis Ram could bring to the offense.

One player who apparently doesn't agree? Running back Frank Gore.

Speaking to ESPN, Gore — who originally agreed to sign with the Eagles before bolting to join the Indianapolis Colts — said his free agent decision came down to playing with the better quarterback.

"When I knew I wasn't going back to the 49ers, my first option was I wanted to be with a great quarterback," Gore said. "I feel that you have to have a great quarterback to have a chance. (Andrew) Luck is a young quarterback and he does everything. He can throw. He can run. He's physical. He's a leader."

Ouch.

To be fair, there are not many quarterbacks in the entire league better than Luck, and the argument can be made pretty easily he is the best young player at his position.

Still, seeing free agents decide to go to another team because of the Eagles' question mark at quarterback highlights just how important it is that Bradford, or whoever ends up taking snaps from under center, works out.

The Eagles were able to makeup for losing Gore, as they signed arguably the top running back available in DeMarco Murray. That signing came at a steep price, however, as they had to hand out $21 million in guaranteed money.

Which is apparently the going rate to convince a player to lineup behind the Eagles' rotating quarterback position.

Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at eshorrpa@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Sports on Facebook.