One of the most productive running backs in the NFL over the past eight seasons is going to hit the open market next month.
The Bears announced Friday that Matt Forte won’t be re-signed when his contract expires in March, providing a tempting — if aging — backfield target for both the Giants and Jets.
Forte has been an extremely durable, versatile and productive back since coming into the league in 2008, but his high price tag (a $7 million base salary last season), combined with the fact Forte recently turned 30, prompted Chicago to decide against bringing him back.
“These decisions are never easy, especially given what Matt has meant to our team and community,” Bears general manager Ryan Pace said in a statement released by the team. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for him. Matt is one of the all-time great Bears and did an excellent job for us on and off the field last season.”
“He was a tremendous teammate. We thank him for his professionalism and wish him the very best as he continues his career.”
A league personnel executive said he would be surprised if the Giants pursued Forte, but that the Jets could be a landing spot if the 6-foot-1, 220-pound veteran power back is willing to accept a cheap, short-term deal.
The biggest concern about Forte among NFL scouts is his age, combined with the very heavy workload he has shouldered since Chicago made Forte a second-round pick out of Tulane in 2008.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Forte has been one of the league’s best receiving backs from the outset of his career, averaging 61 catches per season with a high of 102 receptions two years ago.
But that versatility also has resulted in Forte accumulating more than 2,500 touches (combined rushes and receptions), which is why many teams likely will view him as having too little tread left on the tires.
Forte’s per-carry average also has slipped the past two seasons, going from 4.9 yards in 2011 and 4.6 yards in 2013 to 4.1 yards this year.
The Jets are projected to have just $11 million to $13 million available under the projected $155 million salary cap, so they likely wouldn’t be able to compete financially for Forte unless demand ends up being low.
But Forte would appear to be a good fit for Gang Green should he wind up in the bargain bin. Forte is much more durable (just eight missed games due to injury) than free-agent-to-be Chris Ivory, and pairing him with a re-signed Bilal Powell would be the framework of an impressive backfield by committee.
The Giants, meanwhile, will be awash in cap room — Big Blue could have as much as $60 million available — but aren’t considered a likely destination for Forte.
The Giants already have Rashad Jennings under contract, and the 30-year-old veteran is coming off his best season (863 rushing yards while appearing in a career-best 16 games). They also have a capable pass-catching back in Shane Vereen and two young runners in Andre Williams and Orleans Darkwa, all of whom are thought to be in the plans of new head coach Ben McAdoo.