Matt Forte is about as versatile and tough as an NFL running back can be. As adept at catching the ball out of the backfield as he is running between the tackles, Forte is the kind of quality veteran addition that immediately upgrades the ball carrying position for the New York Jets for 2015. Forte, 30, leads a Jets running back crew that, after Thursday's flurry of signings, now also includes former New Orleans Saint, Khiry Robinson, and Jet returnee, Bilal Powell. All told, the three backs give Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey an extremely strong stable of guys with which to attack opposing defenses next season.
As with Chris Ivory last year, Gailey proved that he's more than capable of making hay with a steady, sure-handed runner who may not possess that elite high gear, but also won't hurt the team with negative runs and can keep the offense rolling play-to-play.
At this point, it's clear based on his contract that Forte will be the lead dog in the Jets backfield. But it won't be long before he's playing second fiddle to a younger, more explosive option, much like last season in Chicago.
While Forte himself may be thinking big - like, big, big - the former Bear is a descending talent. He's consistent and he's capable and he's a perfect complement to guys like Powell, who brings a highly versatile skillset of his own, and Robinson, more of a power back. But at three years, $12 million with just $8 million guaranteed, there's almost no chance of Forte seeing the final season of the deal.
And even if he does last that long, there would surely be a restructuring in the cards.
Really, there's nothing that says Forte can't play out the full life of the deal, but there's simply no way that Jets head coach Todd Bowles and GM Mike Maccagnan, who have done exemplary work since taking over the franchise and seem to have Gang Green headed in the right direction, won't have at least attempted to add another younger, more talented back or two by the time Forte's age 33 season rolls around.
Now, whether that back comes via free agency or the draft remains to be seen - the draft is likeliest considering the devalued nature of the position and the fact that quality players can be found in the third and fourth rounds, much like Forte's old team, the Bears, did with Jeremy Langford - and it's even possible that a guy like Powell, who seemed to turn a corner of sorts late last year could continue to develop and lay claim to the starting gig.
But what's certain is this - the Jets landed themselves a quality short-term fix at running back in Forte. But Bowles and Maccagnan are surely hoping that another option presents itself sometime in the next season or two so that they have reason to cut ties with Forte before the final year of his new deal.
