Matt Forte has been one of the long-standing faces of the franchise for the Chicago Bears. The running back has spent eight seasons with the team since getting drafted in 2008. His numbers have never faltered as he has been one of the most productive playmakers on the field. However, there is a chance that comes to an end this year as the running back doubts he will return to Chicago in 2016.
Forte's contract is expiring and he knows it. The Bears have not made any kind of attempt to begin contract negotiations for Forte and he doubts they will come. With the season set to end in two games, Forte told the media he is not hopeful about re-signing in Chicago.
"I mean, I want to return," Forte said, via ESPN.com. "But if you're saying, am I hopeful that I do return? There is not much to hope for that right now because like I said, I talked to [the Bears' front office] earlier and they haven't said anything back. So there's nothing really to hope for. At this point I'm not worried about earning powers and all that stuff. I've made money as a football player and it's not about that to me."
One issue for Forte is that the Bears got a taste of what life would be like without him and it was not bad. While the running back sat out with a knee injury, rookie Jeremy Langford had a breakout stretch on the field putting up 440 yards and six touchdowns rushing with 279 yards receiving with another touchdown. Langford proved that he can be a real threat for the Bears if Forte is not there.
The Bears are also going to have to worry about Alshon Jeffery's contract extension. The wide receiver is expected to earn a max deal. That paired with the re-tooling of the defense means Forte could be on the outside looking in. He might not be the only one. According to the Chicago Tribune, Martellus Bennett's future is not guaranteed. The Bears could opt to release or trade the tight end while re-signing Zach Miller to a cheaper contract.
There is a lot of unknowns for the Bears heading into the offseason and Forte knows he is one of them. The running back fully plans on playing in 2016 and if available, plenty of teams will give him a serious look. The Dallas Cowboys need running back help. The New England Patriots will be looking for more rushing help. The Denver Broncos could also be eyeing an upgrade. Forte will have plenty of contracts being thrown his way even if the Bears are not one of them.
"Like I said, am I hopeful that something will happen?" Forte said, via ESPN.com. "Um, there's nothing really to hope for because obviously I haven't been approached or anything. But do I want to come back? Yes. That would be ideal for me, but that doesn't always happen in this business."