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Matt Forte: Five Possible Destinations as a Free Agent

By Joel Childers

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions 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) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Running back Matt Forte is set to be a free agent, and there are several NFL teams that may be eager to sign him.

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions 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) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Running back Matt Forte has had a very successful career with the Chicago Bears, but it seems as though that time has come to an end. A two-time Pro-Bowler and the focal point of Chicago’s offense at many times, Forte is set to hit free-agency this offseason.

He announced via Instagram that the Bears informed him that they would not be re-signing him this offseason:

Certainly there are many Chicago fans upset about this move but it is an expected one, as the Bears landed talented rookie Jeremy Langford in last years draft, and Forte is in the tail-end of his career. Not many running backs are able to have extensive success after age 30, which is exactly how old Matt Forte is. The Bears are re-building their team and re-signing him would have tied up too much of their money.

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That being said, Forte still has some tread on his tires. He is coming off a season with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, something he’s done every year in his career. In 2015 he was 9th in both yards per game and yards per attempt among players with at least 200 carries. He’s only one year removed from setting an NFL running back record with 102 receptions in a season. No he’s not going to be a top running back for the next 6 seasons, but he can still be an excellent contributor.

Forte’s ability to contribute in both the running and passing game help him at a dynamic element to any offense, and he could fit with many different teams. Good running backs are always in high demand, and Forte’s got both the talent and the experience. Even though the Bears have decided not to re-sign him, there are certain to be teams that pursue him this offseason. Here’s a look at 5 teams that may be looking up Forte’s phone number as we speak.

Next: A Contender

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