The Chicago Bears have notified running back Matt Forte that they will not be resigning him this offseason, and while Bears fans may be sad to see him go, plenty of NFL fans are hopeful that their team may land the talented running back. Forte just turned 30 years old at the end of last season, and despite his age, he is still considered a rare commodity in the NFL.
Running backs tend to devalue as they get older, but a pass-catching running back like Forte will garner plenty interest around the league. Where Forte will land this offseason is the big question many football fans want to know, and three teams in particular could make a strong fit with the talented running back.
The New England Patriots were reportedly expected to explore the possibility of signing the Bears running back, and it could make sense as head coach Bill Belichick has been known to get the most out of veteran players looking to reach a Super Bowl. That's exactly what Forte is likely looking for, as he said prior to Super Bowl 50 that he is not focused on the money, but that his focus is on playing in Super Bowls.
Forte could make a strong fit in New England and could become a reliable pass-catching running back, which both Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady have been known to utilize. The Patriots are Super Bowl contenders year in and year out, but Forte could also potentially join a team on the rise this upcoming season, as he could look to join the Raiders in Oakland.
Forte could make a strong fit in Oakland and would join a team filled with young talent on the rise. The Raiders haven't made the playoffs since 2002, but they showed strong improvement under first-year head coach in Jack Del Rio. Second-year quarterback Derek Carr showed this past season that he can lead the Raiders to wins, and the addition of a player like Forte to their backfield could make them playoff contenders in 2016.
The Raiders and Patriots aren't the only team that would fit well with Forte, as the Bears running back could be a perfect with NFC North rival the Green Bay Packers, according to Bears reporter Brad Briggs. The Packers are in need of a dominant running back this offseason, as running backs James Starks and Eddie Lacy's futures in Green Bay are uncertain. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has made it known that Lacy will need to lose weight this offseason in order to play in the Packers backfield, and Starks is looking for a starting opportunity as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this March.
Forte could make a strong fit in Green Bay and has seen the Packers win the NFC North division four out of the past five seasons. The closest Forte got to the Super Bowl was during the 2010 regular season, when the Bears would end up losing to the Packers in the NFC Championship game. Forte clearly has not forgotten that memory, and knows that competing for a Super Bowl will require a dominant quarterback like Aaron Rogers.
The free agent running back is still a force in the league, rushing for 898 yards in just 13 games this past season, and he will provide any quarterback with a quick outlet under pressure. The Patriots, Raiders, and Packers could all be strong fits for Forte in 2016, and the talented running back will likely be one of the most coveted free agents on the market this offseason.
