Matt Forte: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Free-Agent RB's Future

Matt Forte has been the most consistent force in the Chicago Bears offense since he was drafted in 2008, but the veteran running back and his team face a dilemma this offseason as his contract has expired. 

Continue for updates.

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Forte Met with Pace

Tuesday, Jan. 5

Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times provided a statement from Forte following his meeting with general manager Ryan Pace on Monday following the regular-season finale:

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“He said he has a lot of respect for me. I have a lot of respect for him,” he said. “The time will come when we have that conversation.” ...

“Everybody’s acting like it’s a going-away party, like a funeral or something,” he said. “No decisions have been made. I can be back.”

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Forte Not Expecting Chicago Offer

Saturday, Dec. 5

Speaking on NFL Total Access, per Chris Wesseling of NFL.com, Forte said he hasn't heard anything from the Bears about a potential contract extension. 

"There's nothing I can do, really, except play football," he said. "The decision on whether I stay or whether I go is not really up to me. It's whether I get offered a contract extension, which I haven't been offered one and doesn't really look like it (will happen)."

Forte did add that he's "pretty much satisfied" whether he stays in Chicago or is able to test free agency for the first time in his career. 

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Forte Still Among NFL's Top Dual-Threat RBs

One of the NFL's best dual-threat running backs since 2008, Forte has run for at least 1,000 yards five times and has broken the 50-catch barrier six times. 

Injuries have slowed him down in 2015, as he missed three games in November with an MCL sprain. He has been durable throughout his career, missing only five games from 2008 to 2014, but he turned 30 on Dec. 10. 

There's already a lot of mileage on Forte's legs with 2,035 carries, and he's at an age when teams are often reluctant to give out major deals to running backs. 

The Bears may want to bring Forte back, but it will have to be on their terms because of his age. This is also a franchise that could begin to take a different, younger direction under Pace. 

Forte will be a sought-after commodity in the offseason because of his ability as a runner and pass-catcher, but his time in Chicago looks to be winding down.