Matt Forte is Gone After the Season, Not So Fast
It has been the thought all season long that Matt Forte is gone after this season. With Matt being in the final year of his contract, him turning 30, the Chicago Bears reluctant to talk extension, and the emergence of Jeremy Langford has all pointed to Forte leaving.
While yes, Matt isn’t the same back he was just a couple of years ago, but in Adam Gase’s and John Fox’s offense multiple backs are the norm. That norm would play perfectly for a running back that just turned 30, but looks like he still has miles left to give this league.
The biggest factor in a Matt Forte return will be money, but money shouldn’t be a major concern for the cap healthy Chicago Bears.
According to Over the Cap, the Bears will have just over $55 million to spend next season. While a lot of that money will be focused on the linebacking core and offensive line, then potentially a big chunk will be put aside for an Alshon Jeffery decision.
If Forte is willing to accept a team friendly contract, we could see No. 22 in Chicago’s backfield in 2016, and all signs point that being true.
In a Chicago Tribune article written by Dan Weiderer, he mentions that Forte isn’t looking to break the bank, and taking less to remain in the comfort of Chicago is appealing to Matt. He is just looking for something that is “obviously respectful” and some sort of direction from the Bears front office.
“I would respect it more if it was just like, ‘Look we’re not going to re-sign you.’ … Because then I would know.
“I don’t really harp too much on it. I play ball every Sunday as hard as I can and then I’ll worry about that when free agency comes about.”
To this point, he is still the best option the Bears have out of the backfield. While Langford — and recently Ka-Deem Carey — have stepped it up and received more workload, Forte has proven his worth.
It is all in the hands of Ryan Pace now, come on. Get this done.
“I mean, I want to return,” Matt Forte.
