The New York Jets are reportedly closing in on veteran ballcarrier Matt Forte after losing running back Chris Ivory to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It didn't take long for the Jets to follow through on their interest in the former Chicago Bear.
Earlier today it was reported that the Jets and Miami Dolphins were looking at bringing in Forte, but New York has seemingly pounced on the opportunity after the Jags scooped up the NFL's sixth-best rusher from 2015 in Ivory.
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Forte is "signing with the Jets," but has yet to disclose any other information on the potential deal. Forte, 30, was also garnering interest from the Green Bay Packers this week, but it's likely the Jets' thin backfield with Ivory gone persuaded the veteran into signing with New York.
Despite missing three games in 2015, Forte put up good numbers in his contract year, managing to rush for 898 yards and four touchdowns on 218 carriers. He also caught 44 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns in what would turn out to be his final season with the Bears. He lost only one fumble on the year and finished 11th in the league rushing yards and 10th in yards per game (69.1).
That should be of big help to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (should he re-sign) and the Jets' offense since Ivory, Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley are all free agents this offseason. The team has yet to lose Powell or Ridley, but the Dallas Cowboys are only one of a number of teams interested in Powell. It's unclear if Ridley is on the Jets' list of priorities.
Forte has spent his entire eight-year career in Chicago and has missed only eight games over that span. He's rushed for 8,602 yards on 2,035 carries in those 120 games and added 487 receptions for 4,116 yards. His 64 touchdowns in that period ranks third in Bears franchise history.
Forte's experience as Chicago's leading rusher over the past eight seasons will certainly help the Jets in various ways.
Stay tuned for an update on this report.
