Matt Forte will be wearing a new uniform next season after the Chicago Bears informed the running back that they will not be re-signing him as a free agent. Forte is expected to be a top target for teams this offseason and the Patriots, Lions, Dolphins, Cowboys, Seahawks, Redskins or Raiders could be potential landing spots.
Forte is getting past the age of 30, but he remains a productive veteran and should not have an issue getting a new contract. The Bears want to go younger with Jeremy Langford at the position and now Forte will be looking for a new team. Field Yates at ESPN put together a list of some of the "teams that could make sense" for Forte, putting the Patriots at the top as the best fit based on his skillset.
Mike Reiss at ESPN Boston wrote last week that he expects the Patriots to pursue Forte and that he could be a "perfect fit" for what Bill Belichick does on offense. The Patriots had some depth issues at running back last season and that is one area the team is expected to focus on this winter. LeGarrette Blount may not return as a free agent, while Dion Lewis is coming back after dealing with an ACL injury. Forte is one of the best pass-catching running backs in the league and that is something the Patriots put as a priority on offense.
Yates spoke with some ESPN NFL Nation reporters about potential fits for Forte and it looks like there should be no shortage of suitors for him on the market. James Walker writes that Forte would be a "natural fit" with the Miami Dolphins, as his former offensive coordinator Adam Gase is taking over as head coach in South Beach. Rich Cimini writes that Forte could be a good option to help replace Chris Ivory, while Rob Demovsky writes that Forte could fit in Green Bay after the disappointing performance from Eddie Lacy last season.
NFL.com has the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens as potenital options for Forte. The Cowboys are expected to target the running back position this offseason and Forte could be a fit on the roster with Darren McFadden. The Seahawks also could be a fit if the team wants to add a veteran alongside Thomas Rawls after the retirement of Marshawn Lynch. NFL.com adds that the Ravens could be a fit with former Bears coach Marc Trestman in Baltimore as offenisve coordinator.