The Dallas Cowboys will be entering the 2015 season without one of their biggest offensive producers. The Cowboys lost DeMarco Murray in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles and only managed to replace him with Darren McFadden, something that might not work out in the long run. With Adrian Peterson potentially not an option, could a trade for someone like Matt Forte be a potential option?
Forte has apparently heard the rumors of a potential trade with his name on it. The Chicago Bears running back tweeted out a link of a trade story while following it up with, "A lot of football left in me. I want to play them for the Chicago Bears and retire a lifelong Bear. But they have to want the same thing...." That is the ultimate question. Under the new coaching and front office regime, the Bears have already sent Brandon Marshall packing and many believe Forte could be the next to go.
Forte's stats certainly show that age is nothing but a number for the running back. The 29-year-old put up 1,800 yards last year for 10 touchdowns and has not missed a game since 2011. However, according to the Chicago Sun Times, Forte is trade bait given his value in the league and contract status. The running back is entering the final year of his deal and could a short-term option for any team in title contention.
Is that team the Dallas Cowboys? With Adrian Peterson likely returning to the Minnesota Vikings, could Forte be a trade target? The chances this deal happens are slim given the Cowboys likely will not give up much to acquire an aging running back and the Bears will want something significant for Forte. But, it cannot be denied that McFadden is not the ideal option for 2015. Quarterback Tony Romo admits that he wanted Murray to stick around for the long-term, giving the running back several recruiting pitches.
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Romo admitted he was disappointed to see Murray leave and head to a division rival. The quarterback was quick to say he was happy the running back got his money, but Romo did tell Kimmel that he lobbied several times to team president Stephen Jones to keep Murray around and just pay him the money. Now, Dallas is hoping McFadden can pull it together while they likely will draft someone in an early round to put in the backfield as well.