Chicago Bears: Six More Players Team Should Trade

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Sep 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) carries the football during the second quarter during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 26-0. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Forte has been the best player on the Bears’ offense for a long time. He has spent his entire eight-year career with the Bears, and has been the primary focal point of the offense throughout his tenure. Forte is arguably the best receiving back in the entire NFL, and his 7,980 career rushing yards would be the most in Bears’ history if it were not for a man named Walter Payton.

Simply put, Forte is not only one of the best running backs in Bears’ history, he is one of the best offensive players that the franchise has ever seen. That being said, there is always a time to move on, and for Forte and the Bears, that time is now.

While he is still a productive player, Forte will turn 30-years-old this year. That is the mark when modern day running backs start to break-down, and Forte has been a high-usage back throughout his career.

Even if Forte is primed to dominate again in 2016, the Bears only have Forte under contract for this season. Even if they want him back, Forte will be free to chase what he wants on the open market. If the Bears trade Forte now, they could also always try to get him back in free agency. Not a likely scenario, but certainly possible.

There will certainly be some suitors for Forte’s services on the market. He is still a valuable player, and he could be the missing piece for many teams. The Bears are going to do well if they trade Forte, and it is something that they must do. When it comes down to it, there is nothing for them to lose.

Legend or not, Forte is not going to be a major part of the future of this organization. The Bears need to make moves with the heads, not their hearts. Trading Forte to a contender is the correct move.

Potential Fits: Everyone could use a great back like Forte. His versatile style will fit any system, but the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets would be the teams I would follow the closest.

Next: Ranking the 30 Greatest Running Backs of All-Time

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