The New England Patriots may target Matt Forte in free agency this offseason after the Bears informed the running back they will not be re-signing him. The Patriots are likely going to add some pieces on offense and Braxton Miller could be a potential target in the NFL draft.
Mike Reiss at ESPN Boston writes that he thinks the Patriots main offseason need is at the offensive skill positions. The team dealt with a number of injuries and depth issues at wide receiver and running back last season and that could lead the Pats to target those positions this winter. Reiss writes that running back is an important position to focus on this offseason and speculates that Matt Forte could be a target for the team.
Forte is not going to be back with the Chicago Bears, as the running back announced that the team informed him that they will not be trying to re-sign him as a free agent. Forte is going to be one of the top backs on the market and Reiss writes that he could be a "perfect fit" for what the Patriots do on offense. The team dealt with injuries to Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount last season and with Blount also hitting free agency, there is a chance he may not return, making RB depth a major need.
Reiss writes that Forte's "dual skills" at rushing the ball and catching the ball out of the backfield make him an ideal option if the Patriots dip into the free agent pool. Forte said on the NFL Network last week that he is not concerned with money heading into 2016 and wants to win championships. Signing with the Patriots would put him in good position to chase a Super Bowl, as the team won it after the 2014 season and made it to the conference finals last year.
Reiss also adds that the wide receiver position should be one of focus for the Patriots this offseason. The team has Julian Edelman and Keshawn Martin as main options set to return, while players like Danny Amendola and Brandon LaFell could be potential salary cap cuts. If all of those players return, the team still should be looking to add some depth at the position. Anquan Boldin is a veteran option on the free agent market, while a player like Braxton Miller could be appealing in the draft.
Miller is coming out of Ohio State as a wide receiver after previously playing quarterback and that could make him a target for the Pats, as Edelman also played QB in college. Tony Pauline at Draftinsider.net reports that the Chiefs, Steelers and Patriots are interested in Miller. Last season Miller combined for over 500 total yards on offense and depending on how he performs at the combine, he could be a first or second round pick in the draft.