The Chicago Bears could consider a Matt Forte trade this year if the running back is not happy with his contract situation, as the team has Jeremy Langford coming in as a rookie and he could be the future for the team and this comes as Jay Cutler is expected to start for John Fox over Jimmy Clausen when things pick up for training camp.
The Bears are coming into the 2015 season after missing the playoffs and they cleared out the leadership of the team, firing head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery. Ryan Pace took over as GM and brought in Fox and now the team is looking to bounce back quickly. Cutler was mentioned in numerous trade rumors this offseason after he was benched for Clausen last year, but Fox has put his support behind Cutler heading into OTA workouts. Cutler is coming in as the main starter and he likely will keep that as long as he doesn't turn the ball over too much like last season.
Forte is not currently being shopped by the Bears and the team is not planning to trade the running back, but the Chicago Tribune reports that so far the two sides have not been able to agree on a new contract. Michael C. Wright at ESPN Chicago reported earlier in the offseason that the Bears could consider trading Forte if he comes into the season in the final year of his deal and Langford steps up as a rookie. While that doesn't mean a deal will go down, the age of Forte and his contract status make him a potential target.
Forte has attended OTA workouts and has said that he is not planning on a hold out for a new contract. Forte showing up to OTAs is a good sign, but if the two sides don't agree to an extension heading into training camp, the running back could change his mind. The Chicago Tribune reported that Forte wants a contract extension from the team and that he spoke with general manager Ryan Pace about his situation heading into OTAs.
John Fox said that he may use Forte as a workhorse this season and that clearly shows that the team is not looking to trade Forte. The team is not pushing to trade the running back, but the situation could come up if teams make offers and he has not inked a new deal. Forte is going to be 30 when the season ends and that is the age that most backs start to break down. Langford was very productive in college and if he plays well this season and the Bears struggle, a move could be made.
Last season Forte was one of the most important offensive players in the league, as ESPN reported he played in over 90 percent of the snaps for the Bears. The team wants to limit that exposure a bit with Langford and Forte comes in after rushing for over 1000 yards and putting up 102 catches last season. Langford is not the receiver that Forte is and that will keep Forte as the lead back as long as he is healthy.
