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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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Nov 15, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fans cheer before the start of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fans cheer before the start of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders showed us this season that they’re right on the brink of being a playoff team. The passing game with Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, and Michael Crabtree exploded, and Khalil Mack became the first two-position All-Pro player (defensive end/linebacker) in NFL history. All of these young stars will only keep getting better, but they need to plug a few holes to truly compete next year.

One of these holes is in the rushing attack, as Oakland was 28th in the league in rushing yards in 2015. Latavius Murray played well with over 1,000 yards, but he needs some help if the team wants to move the ball on the ground. Oakland’s next leading rusher was Derek Carr with 138 yards.

Matt Forte would fit Oakland’s needs perfectly, because he wouldn’t have to be the workhorse back but he could still contribute heavily. He and Latavius Murray splitting carries may not be what fantasy owners want to see, but it could be best for the team. Forte would also be a huge help in the passing game, as that isn’t Murray’s strong suit.

The key may be that Oakland should have some of the most cap space the league has ever seen this offseason. They need to use most of this money paying their stars and shoring up the defense, but they can certainly afford to spend a little bit on a running back of Forte’s caliber.

This isn’t a win-instantly situation for Forte, but this may be the best fit for both the player and team. He would be on a good team that can pay well with a legitimate shot to compete, and the team could really use someone with his skill set. He wouldn’t be the workhorse, but also isn’t coming into a loaded backfield with several players fighting for carries. I’d love to see Forte in Oakland next season, and he could be the key piece to Oakland’s first playoff appearance since 2002.

Next: Win-Now Situation

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