Matt Forte is set to hit the free agent market after the Bears told the running back that they will not be re-signing him for next season. Forte could be a top target this winter and teams like the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys and Jets could be potential landing spots.
Forte is 30, but he remains productive at his position and that should get him some attention on the free agent market. Forte has said that he would like to play for a contending team and wants to try and win a Super Bowl and that could be his main prerogative this offseason. Mike Reiss at ESPN Boston writes that the New England Patriots could be a "perfect fit" for the Patriots after the team dealt with injuries at running back last season.
Field Yates at ESPN put together a list of potential landing spots for Forte and the Patriots made the list as one of the destinations for the running back. LeGarrette Blount may not return as a free agent, while Dion Lewis is coming back from ACL surgery and likely will need some depth with him on the roster. Forte has been very productive during his time in Chicago and he is one of the best running backs at catching the ball out of the backfield, making him well-suited for what the Pats do on offense.
Yates spoke with ESPN NFL Nation reporters about potential landing spots for Forte and teams like the Packers, Dolphins, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Redskins, Texans and Jets were listed as options. Rob Demovsky writes that with James Starks hitting free agency and Eddie Lacy coming off of a disappointing season, Forte could be a potential option. Starks dealt with some fumbling issues and Forte could be affordable enough for the usually not big spending Packers.
James Walker writes that the Dolphins could be an option if Lamar Miller leaves, as Forte's old offensive coordinator Adam Gase is not head coach in Miami. The Broncos have Ronnie Hillman as an unrestricted free agent and CJ Anderson as a restricted free agent and the team could consider adding a veteran like Forte. The Cowboys also could be a fit for Forte, as the team would like some more depth with Darren McFadden for next season.
