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Matt Forte pens warm farewell to Bears organization

By Jonathan Bass

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Forte has confirmed that he will no longer be a member of the Chicago Bears.

A stalwart of the Chicago Bears’ offense for eight years, Matt Forte will no longer be a member of the franchise. On Friday morning, Forte penned a warm farewell letter to the Bears, as well as the city of Chicago, stating that he was notified earlier in the week the team would not attempt to re-sign him this offseason.

Drafted out of Tulane in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft (pick No. 44), Forte was an instant impact for the Bears. His 23-carry, 123-yard performance in his first ever NFL game was a franchise record for yards gained. At his prime, Forte was a dual-threat back, showing power and explosion out of the backfield, but also the ability to collect the rock in the flat.

In eight years with the Bears, Forte amassed 12,718 yards from scrimmage. His 8,602 rushing yards are second on the team’s all-time rushing list, behind only the great Walter Payton. Forte’s 396 points scored rank him No. 9 in Bears franchise history.

As the 2015 season wore on, the writing was clearly on the wall for Forte. He missed three games due to a lingering knee injury, and his backup, rookie Jeremy Langford, performed exceptionally in Forte’s stead. The Bears’ decision not to re-sign Forte amounts to a business decision of riding with a cheaper, younger player while allowing the aged veteran to find greener pastures for the backend of his career.

As for where Forte will land, there are a myriad of teams who would likely take a flier on a multifaceted back who still has tread on the tires (Forte accounted for over 1,200 yards of total offense in only 13 games last season). The Seahawks just lost Marshawn Lynch to retirement, and may want to upgrade from veteran Fred Jackson when . The Patriots go through backs like nobody’s business, and Forte’s passing ability fits perfectly with their schemes. The Cardinals have started collecting backs like it’s a hobby. Really, of all the teams that made the playoffs this past year, only Cincinnati seems set with a full stable. While not returing to Chicago, Matt Forte shouldn’t be out of work for long.

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