The Chicago Bears have let Matt Forte own the ground game for years now, but recent speculation believes the team might be preparing to move on from their franchise running back. With a new head coach and general manager in place, no player is safe as the Bears enter a rebuilding season. Brandon Marshall learned that lesson the hard way and Forte could be next as Chicago puts players in place in case a team makes a move on the veteran.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears have signed former Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers to a one year deal after he visited the team on Tuesday. Rodgers was primarily a backup for the Falcons, playing behind Michael Turner, Steven Jackson and Devonta Freeman. However, he is an extremely versatile player that Chicago could use. Not only is he a solid special teams player, in his career Rodgers has put up 1,116 rushing yards along with 1,104 receiving yards in four seasons. That will be very welcomed in Chicago.
The addition of Rodgers begs the question of what the Bears intend to do with Forte. The Chicago Tribune has made it clear that Forte could be available at the right price since he is entering the final year of his contract with the team. Forte has even tweeted that he has heard the trade talk and made it clear he intends to remain with the Bears and retire in Chicago, but the team must want the same thing to make the relationship work.
Forte would be a strong asset for any team set to contend this season. He is a short-term answer to success in the ground game. Anyone from the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots would be wise to at least explore the price of Forte if the Bears do intend on making him available. Chicago needs to put in a backup plan for Forte regardless considering he is an aging running back who will need a new deal next season. It just remains to be seen how Chicago does that.
The Bears could easily find their future back in the draft. This year's class is deep at the position with players like Todd Gurley, TJ Yeldon and Melvin Gordon highlighting the pool. They will start to be picked up around the second round of the draft so Chicago will need to decide how much they invest at the spot.