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New York Jets: 3 Players that won’t be back in 2018

By Stephen Smith

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets celebrates a tackle against running back Tevin Coleman #26 (not pictured) of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 29: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets celebrates a tackle against running back Tevin Coleman #26 (not pictured) of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 29, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Running back Matt Forte #22 of the New York Jets gives a stiff arm to outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Running back Matt Forte #22 of the New York Jets gives a stiff arm to outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

2. Matt Forte

It’s time. It’s time to move on from the two-time Pro Bowler. That’s hard to say because the 10-year NFL veteran is the consummate professional, a pro’s pro. Unfortunately, Father Time and the injury bug have caught up to Forte and now he’s a shell of his former self.

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Forte is 32 years old and has already missed three games this season and five in the last two years with various ailments. At one time one of the premier pass-receiving halfbacks in the league, the 6-1, 212-pounder is averaging 7.9 yards per catch, the third-lowest rate of his career. He is on pace to rush for 428 yards. That would be far and away his lowest amount since he made his NFL debut in 2008. Forte’s three total touchdowns are his fewest in any season. See the trend here?

The arrow has been pointing downward for the Tulane University product for some time now. There is no shame in that. Running back is a young man’s position. When you reach 30 years of age, you’re considered over-the-hill. Sad but true. How Frank Gore of the Colts keeps producing at 34 1/2 years old is amazing. He’s the exception to the rule though.

New York’s depth chart at running back next year will probably look like this: Bilal Powell, Elijah McGuire and a rookie halfback. Forte is only slated to earn $3 million in 2018 so cutting him would not be cost prohibitive. Youth needs to be served here. We all thank Forte for his service with Gang Green and for being the classy pro that he is. Now it’s time to move on.

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