The Chicago Bears actively pursued restricted free agent running back C.J. Anderson this offseason, but struck out when the Denver Broncos decided to match the offer sheet he signed with the Miami Dolphins. Chicago's tactics don't seem to be sitting too well with long-time Bear turned New York Jet Matt Forte.
Me either RT @singinsince3: The way Ryan Pace went after CJ Anderson after not even offering Forte a contract doesnt sit well with me!!
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 23, 2016
Forte, 30, spent eight years with the Bears and made two Pro Bowls in that time. However, Chicago chose not to re-sign the aging ball-carrier once he became an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Instead, team officials made numerous comments in support of younger backs Jeremy Langford and Ka-Deem Carey.
Forte has rushed for 8,602 yards and racked up 4,116 receiving yards in his career. Since 2008, he has led the NFL in yards from scrimmage.
"Matt is a great guy, a great Bear and a great tribute to our organization," Bears head coach John Fox said. "But we felt really good about our younger players like Jeremy Langford, who we drafted the year before, Ka'Deem Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers. Those are guys we felt could carry that position. It was more or less getting draft picks and trying to improve our team. Going youthful."
The Jets signed Forte to a three-year deal worth $12 million with $9 million in guaranteed money.
The Bears then reportedly offered Anderson a four-year deal worth $19 million. Although Anderson had played for Fox in Denver, he chose to sign a four-year, $16 million deal with the Dolphins, which the Broncos matched.
Chicago's pursuit of Anderson seemed to fly in the face of their expressed confidence in their younger rushers. General manager Ryan Pace explained that they didn't expect Anderson, 25, to receive such a low free-agency tender from Denver, which wouldn't require any compensation if they were able to steal him away.
Anderson carried the ball 152 times for 720 yards (4.7 YPC) and five touchdowns last year while catching 25 passes for 183 yards. Forte rushed 218 times for 898 yards (4.1 YPC) and four touchdowns while catching 44 passes for 389 yards and three additional scores.
Follow Brandon Katz on Twitter at @Great_Katzby
