With The First Pick
Fansided

Matt Forte to be a free agent in March

By Carl Cockerham

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte has been one of the top all-round running backs in the NFL the past eight years. He has the most yards from scrimmage since entering the NFL in 2008. His 8,602 rushing yards and 4,116 receiving yards, totaling 12,718 are more than Adrian Peterson’s 12,003.

Forte is one of five players in NFL history with 1,200-plus yards from scrimmage in each of his first eight seasons. Curtis Martin, Barry Sanders, LaDainian Tomlinson and Ricky Watters are the others. Despite missing three games in 2015 due to injury, Forte still had 898 rushing yards and averaged 4.1 yards per carry.

But the rushing totals were a career-low and the three games he missed were counted against him. Combine that with Forte turning 30 and the Bears are unwilling to pay top dollar to re-sign him. So it is no surprise that Forte confirmed on Instagram that the Bears told him they will not attempt to re-sign him.

He wrote, “Despite my wishes, my days as a member of the Chicago Bears have sadly come to an end. “I was informed earlier this week from the GM that they will not be attempting to re-sign me in free agency. I will remain forever grateful for my time spent in Chicago and being able to play for an organization with such a rich history. My only regret is not being able to win a Lombardi trophy for the best fans in all of sports. I’m excited about the next chapter of my NFL career. But, Chicago will always be home. God Bless and Bear Down!”

When Forte becomes a free agent in March, many expect the New England Patriots to be first in line for him. Head coach Bill Belichik had high praise for him back in 2014 as he loves versatility. The 30-year-old has plenty left in the tank and can pass protect to go with his running and catching the ball.

His age will keep his price down so he’s chasing rings at this point of his careers. And with Peyton Manning likely done in Denver, the Patriots give him as good a chance as any team at a Super Bowl win. March isn’t very far away so we will soon see what the versatile running back decides to do.

Home/Chicago Bears