2012 NFL Free Agents: Top Destinations for Matt Forte

Matt Forte carried the Chicago Bears offense through the first 11 games of the season, but they refused to offer him an extension.  Now he can choose to take revenge. 

After suffering an injury that kept him out of the remainder of the regular season in Week 13, Forte still wants to play in the Pro Bowl.  That may be a sign that his days in Chicago are numbered.  If he isn’t franchised or doesn’t re-sign with the Bears, here are his most likely destinations.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

Cedric Benson is a mediocre starting halfback that just turned 29 years old.  With an extra first-round pick at their disposal, Cincinnati will most likely look to the draft for a replacement, but if they’re feeling bold, the Bengals could pursue Forte.  In an offense with the rapidly developing Andy Dalton, AJ Green and Jermaine Gresham, Forte would turn that unit into a force.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LeGarrette Blount doesn’t look like a dependable long-term solution at the running back position for Tampa Bay.  Forte would be a phenomenal fit for the Buccaneers who possess plenty of cap room to pay him what he wants.  The only thing keeping the Bucs from being Forte’s most likely destination is the fact that they failed to spend money last offseason and may be too cheap to pay up.

1. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle isn’t afraid to break the bank for a free agent as they showed aggressiveness signing Sidney Rice, Zach Miller and Tarvaris Jackson last offseason.  Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett’s contracts will run out after this year.  The Seahawks will have to throw big money at a back either way—Forte and a respectable QB would take their offense to another level.

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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