The Chicago Bears are expected to keep Alshon Jeffery in free agency this offseason, but longtime running back Matt Forte could be allowed to walk after the emergence of Jeremy Langford.
Jeffery and Forte are the two most notable players hitting free agency for Chicago and reports have the team potentially letting Forte leave after a productive career in Chicago. According to ESPN Chicago reporter Jeff Dickerson, the chances of Forte coming back next season are "slight" and that the team has not engaged in contract talks with the running back. Forte was mentioned in trade speculation earlier in the season, but a knee injury prevented that from gaining too much steam.
Now that the offseason is on the horizon, it is looking like Forte will end up in a new uniform for next season. Forte spoke with the Associated Press towards the end of the season and he admitted that he wants "to return" to Chicago, but that there was "nothing really to hope for" regarding a new contract from the team. Forte wanted to engage in extension talks during the year, but the Bears and GM Ryan Pace were not interested in getting a deal done.
Forte is 30 and the Bears may feel that it's time to move on after the running back put up his lowest numbers during his career with the Bears. Jeremy Langford stepped up while Forte was injured and the team may want to give the younger back the chance to start next season. Forte is still one of the most productive running backs in the league when healthy and he should have a number of suitors on the free agent market.
Jeffery is more likely of the two players to return, as the wide receiver is younger and at more of a need position for the Bears. Dickerson writes that Jeffery is "likely" to return to the Bears, while Chicago Tribune reporter Brad Biggs writes that he would be "very surprised" if the team left Jeffery go. Jeffery dealt with injuries last season and only appeared in nine games for the Bears, but he still was fairly productive with 54 catches for 807 yards and four touchdowns.
Jeffery is the top receiver hitting the market this offseason and that could make him a major target for teams. But there is a chance he doesn't even hit the open market, as the Bears could reach a deal with Jeffery before that happens or they could use the franchise tag on him. The 49ers, Patriots and Lions have been mentioned as potential targets to go after Jeffery, but things may not get that far for the WR.
The Bears have the number 11 overall pick in the draft this year and the Chicago Tribune speculates that the team will go after a linebacker. The draft has a deep class of players at the position and names like Myles Jack, Jaylon Smith and Reggie Ragland could be potential options for the team to add alongside Pernell McPhee.
