Matt Forte Trade Rumors: Will The Bears Running Back Land With A New Team?


As the Matt Forte trade rumors heat up, is it time for Chicago Bears fans to say goodbye to one of their favorite players? It is time to weigh in on these rumors.

Depending on who you ask, Matt Forte will play for an organization not named the Chicago Bears. The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, with Matt Forte the biggest name being floated around in the rumor mills. The trade chatter is loud when it comes to the Bears star running back. Is there some legitimacy to the rumors, or are they just that, rumors?

The Bears trading one of their all-time leading rushers in Matt Forte is a preposterous notion. There are several reasons for this. A couple factors weigh in the other direction though. What should fans believe at this point?

At 2-4 a spot in the playoffs is improbable at this point. That may change with a win versus the Minnesota Vikings, though for now, the development of a culture takes precedence over the postseason. If the Bears do indeed flirt with a playoff berth that is great for the team, the fans, and the NFL. Again, with a 2-4 record, it is an improbability.

The Bears have already unloaded some salary, including a trade sending Jared Allen (courtesy of NFL.com) and his $12.5 million contract to the Carolina Panthers. Allen received an $11.5 million roster bonus prior to the season opener. This move proved that the Bears had no problem eating cap space for a player who did not fit in their future plans. Why not get asset for Allen is what the Bears thought. A sixth-round pick is what the Panthers gave up in return. Some people suggest that Matt Forte could fetch a larger haul.

There are a handful of teams in need of a running back. The Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and the Denver Broncos all need a tailback. While most of the rumors have Forte linked with the Cowboys, Gil Brandt of NFL.com cites that Matt Forte to the Broncos is a trade that would make sense.

The Broncos may present an interesting opportunity.

They are Super Bowl contenders and their running game is lackluster at this point. Denver quarterback Peyton Manning could use a ball carrier of Matt Forte’s talent to warrant the thought of consummating a deal. Forte could help with the passing game as well. He is an excellent pass blocker.

As for the other teams, starting with the Baltimore Ravens, they will probably wait to see if Justin Forsett can shake out of his slump. They are out of the picture right now.

That leaves the Dallas Cowboys. The Sporting News lists the Dallas as one of Forte’s possible destinations.

It does not make much sense for the Bears to trade Matt Forte to the Cowboys. As far as the Matt Forte trade rumors go, this one makes the least sense at this time.

First of all, NFL observers would love for Forte to land with Dallas. They are called “America’s Team” for a reason. If it is not Matt Forte’s name being linked with the Cowboys, Adrian Peterson, running back of the Minnesota Vikings, is a trade rumor candidate to go there. That gives the media contingent something to talk about.

Never mind the fact that Dallas has an identical 2-4 record as the Bears does. They are close to the NFC East division-leading New York Giants. Unfortunately, both teams are in the thick of an improbable wild card race. Trading Matt Forte to Dallas makes little sense, unless the Bears have officially given up on this season. That is not the signal they want to give to their fans.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Should the Bears trade Matt Forte?

If they believe that this is not going to be their year, it may help them to kick the tires on a potential deal. Interested teams could offer up to a third-round draft pick for him.

That is enough of a coup for the Bears to accept a trade. With the possibility of being able to re-sign him during the offseason on the table.

There is no doubt that the Bears value Matt Forte. Quarterback Jay Cutler is among his biggest fans.

Cutler told reporters during a media session that he would not be in favor of playing without the All-Pro back (courtesy of ChicagoBears.com).

“I wouldn’t trade him for anybody else. He’s a three-down back. He does so much protection-wise. He does so much in the passing game. You can line him up in all different scenarios, all different sets. He gets the job done. He’s kind of a security blanket for us.”

The veteran has been the Bears security blanket for eight seasons. The front office did not want to negotiate a contract extension with him. That is understandable given that he turns 30 in less than a month. How he has responded to not getting an extension shows character.

With a Bears locker room in dire need of some character guys in the locker room, do not take heed to the Matt Forte trade rumors. Chances are great that he is not going anywhere.

[Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images Sport]

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