Chicago Bears Will Not Re-Sign Matt Forte
We knew it was coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
Matt Forte announced on social media that his days as a Chicago Bear are over. Ryan Pace informed Forte earlier this week that they will make no attempt to re-sign him and that he should look for a new team via free agency.
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Forte will be a hot commodity this offseason. Any team with expectations of contending for a Super Bowl would happily sign Forte to what would most likely be a three year contract with two years of that guaranteed. Forte is north of 30 years of age which usually means teams should proceed with caution. However, Forte has shown no signs of slowing down and any team should be confident that they could get at least two productive years from him.
The two landing spots emerging that make the most sense are the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots. The Cowboys let DeMarco Murray walk after 2014 and felt that their running back committee would be just as productive last season. The committee plan did not work nearly as well, and bringing in a more viable running back would be an intelligent move by Jerry Jones. Forte would excel behind the Cowboys’ offensive line and he would also be a great safety option for Tony Romo in the passing game, something that may be necessary with an aging Jason Witten declining in productivity.
The Patriots also make a lot of sense and this might be a marriage that happens quickly in free agency. Forte has the type of personality that the Patriots love- he’s a hard worker, doesn’t rock the boat, and just does his job. There isn’t an offense/quarterback in the league that would utilize Forte better than Tom Brady and the Patriots. If he signs with New England and stays healthy, he could be in line for a career year in that offense.
Regardless of where Forte will be playing next year, we know it won’t be in Chicago. Pace and John Fox continue with their rebuilding process so the move does make sense. But it will be tough to see someone who has meant as much to the franchise as Forte in another uniform. He’s as classy an individual as there is and he will be missed.