2012 NFL Free Agents: Matt Forte and Other RBs Who Should Sign Elsewhere

Whether it's because of personnel changes, lack of talent or simply the need to change the scenery, signing elsewhere in the offseason can be quite refreshing in the NFL. Or, maybe a player had a solid year despite being a backup and wants to become a full-time starter.

In other words, more than one thing affects free agency, and unless it's an unwanted trade, change isn't so bad.

View list of Free Agent Running Backs

Matt Forte

According to ESPN Chicago, the Bears have no intention of parting ways with Matt Forte:

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"We'd like to (work out a long-term deal with Forte)," Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "But as Phil [Emery] pointed out, we obviously will at least consider placing the franchise tag on him."

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So, in short, the decision comes down to whether Chicago wants to slap the franchise tag on Forte. Thing is, the Bears new offensive coordinator is Mike Tice, and let's just say he's no Mike Martz.

The Bears have a weak defense despite credible names, and offensively, there's no legit receivers to help improve the passing game. In turn, this keeps the pressure on Forte to continue playing at a high level with not much help.

Chicago isn't as explosive as Green Bay or Detroit. So with a defense that can't slow down  high-flying offenses, Forte will just have solid years with not much hardware to show for it.

Yes, Pro Bowls are nice, but if Forte wants to get a ring, the Windy City isn't the answer. A place like Arizona would be good because of Larry Fitzgerald and a young, but much improved defense.

Michael Bush

After a breakout season with 977 rushing and 418 receiving yards, Oakland's Michael Bush needs to get out of the Bay Area. For starters, once Darren McFadden gets healthy, he'll go back to the No. 2 running back, and it's not like the Raiders are planning for immediate success.

With another new head coach in Dennis Allen and a still eak passing game as well as a defense, Bush can contribute a lot more to someone needing a running back, such as the Detroit Lions.

With a stout passing game and a gradually improving defense, the Motor City would welcome Bush. Detroit needs a bruiser back who can also act as a check-down outlet in the passing game.

He's an every down/complete back who needs to play on a team with potential. With an offense in 2011 that emphasized the pass, Bush and the Lions would complement each other well in 2012.

Ryan Grant

With most of the playing time in the two-back tandem going to James Starks and John Kuhn, it would be surprising to see the Green Bay Packers bring Ryan Grant back in 2012.

Even if the Pack are interested, Grant is still only going to see limited playing time because of Starks and Kuhn, so signing elsewhere like Brandon Jackson did last season isn't the worst of ideas. Grant is no longer a No. 1 back, but he can be a serviceable No. 2.

A team like the Jacksonville Jaguars would be a good fit . Grant and Maurice Jones-Drew would create a great two-back set. It's not only a fresh start for Grant, but having a two-back formation these days in pro football is an underrated weapon.

Like MJD, Grant can beat any linebacker in single coverage, pass protect with the best of them and keep the multi-threat dynamic in the backfield when Jones-Drew needs a breather.

John Rozum on Twitter.