The Chicago Bears cannot shake the trade rumors circulating ever since they got a new head coach and general manager in place. The Brandon Marshall trade put everyone on notice and with the NFL Draft approaching in a few weeks, the Bears are predicted to make some big moves if the opportunities present themselves. With Jay Cutler moving on thin ice, is Matt Forte also on watch?
Forte has been a mainstay in the backfield for the Bears since the team drafted him. The run game has never been a concern with Forte running the show. However, the veteran running back is preparing to enter the final year of his contract and suddenly his future does not appear as guaranteed as once assumed. Forte is well aware of the rumors.
The Bears officially opened up voluntary workouts on Monday, but Forte was a no-show. Speculation immediately ran wild that Forte was not present because he was unhappy with the trade rumors and unhappy with the lack on contract extension talks from the Bears. However, the running back took to Twitter to clarify his absence is due to the fact that he is working out at a training complex in South Florida. "Relax everybody...Its called voluntary W/O for a reason. I've always been there especially when it counts!", Forte tweeted.
Regardless of his comments on Twitter, Forte's absence does sound a few alarms. According to the Chicago Tribune, Forte is available for trades at the right price. The Bears have not confirmed this, but Forte also felt the need to address that situation on Twitter, making it clear that he wants to remain with the Bears for his entire career, but the team must want the same thing. The running back is entering the final year of his deal, set to earn $7 million and be a $9.2 million cap charge. His stats certainly warrant an extension, but Chicago has made no moves to give him one.
Could Forte be traded over Jay Cutler. If the Bears are looking for salary cap relief, the obvious person to try and let go of is Cutler. According to Bleacher Report, Chicago continues to push the idea of trading Cutler for the No. 2 draft pick in order to select Marcus Mariota. The Tennessee Titans might entertain the idea. However, they recently expressed their confidence in Zach Mettenberger which means they might not be in the quarterback market altogether. The Bears could easily not move anyone and draft a wide receiver like ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr believes they will do. With the draft still weeks away, anything is possible.