Aging Matt Forte Can Boost New York Jets Offense Regardless of Quarterback

At 30 years old, Matt Forte may be an aging running back, but he can still be a major addition to the New York Jets. 

The Chicago Bears' second all-time leading rusher agreed to terms with the Jets Wednesday, according to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter. 

In doing so, Forte fills a major void left by Chris Ivory, who is expected to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Ivory brought a certain attitude to the Jets offense. The Tiffin product is considered one of the league's most physical runners, but his style eventually catches up with a running back. The 222-pound back dealt with knee, hamstring and quad injuries last season. For the most part, he played through the issues, but an organization must question how the 27-year-old back will hold up over the long haul. 

Backup running back Bilal Powell is also weighing his free-agent options. 

Yes, Forte is an older back, there are plenty of miles on his tires and he even missed three games this past season, but he will add a completely different dynamic to the offense. 

Last year, wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker set a new NFL record with nine games where both receivers recorded a receiving touchdown. Their presence on the outside is undeniable. 

But the Jets' were still one of the league's top rushing teams. In fact, New York finished 10th overall in rushing attempts and yardage. A big reason behind the team's success running the ball stemmed from Ivory's performance as its workhorse. 

Todd Bowles' squad actually lacked a true three-down presence at the position, though. Ivory improved each year as a receiver and caught a career-high 30 passes last season. He also blocked relatively well. But his ability in the passing game is far surpassed by Forte. 

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

During his eight-year career, the Tulane product has developed into one of the NFL's best running backs in the passing game. Forte has already caught 487 career passes and never managed less than 44 receptions in a single season. 

Even as he started to slow slightly last year, the former Bear amassed 1,287 total yards out of the backfield. The younger Ivory oddly managed the same exact total, but did so in higher rushing totals and playing in two more games. 

The Jets should receive a similar amount of a production at a discount price, as ESPN's Ed Werder noted: 

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

Forte's contributions will come via different avenues, which should create more opportunities within the offense. 

Last season, Ivory and Powell combined to make 77 receptions. Forte's presence allows the team to use one running back to fill both roles. 

Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey won't need to pull his starting back and bring in a better receiving option. Their recent free-agent acquisition brings the best of both worlds.

The veteran back averaged 4.1 yards per carry last season and carried the ball 15 or more times in nine different contests. Ivory, meanwhile, averaged 4.3 yards per carry and also carried the ball 15 or more times in nine contests.

While their running styles are completely different, the two running backs achieved similar success. 

But the Jets needed to rely on Powell more in the passing game. The same won't be said with Forte in the lineup. 

It isn't simply about serving as a reliable check-down option. Forte is an experienced and diligent blocker. He's also a versatile weapon who should benefit greatly from the space created by Marshall and Decker. 

Gailey will be able to use his new running back in a variety of manners—whether it's in the slot, out wide, in motion or just out of the backfield. 

Forte should serve as a security blanket for whomever is starting at quarterback next season. 

Does this mean he can carry the load as the primary ball-carrier through the 2016 campaign? No. Forte's total carries decreased each of the last three seasons. 

He can still serve as a lead back, but the Jets will need to add another runner to the backfield. The New England Patriots appear to be making a play for Powell, according to the Providence Journal's Mark Daniels, and his return seems unlikely at this point. 

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Zac Stacy is the only back currently on the roster who actually carried the ball for the Jets last season. It's a position which general manager Mike Maccagnan could and should address during this year's NFL draft. 

If he does, Forte's value to the team only increases. The veteran would assume a dual role as starting running back and mentor. It's one he performed well a year ago after the Bears drafted Jeremy Langford in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. 

Without being able to retain Ivory, Forte's addition is the best possible scenario for the Jets. The veteran back can serve in a starting role, provide a versatile presence in the passing game and help develop any young backs on the roster. 

Forte's acquisition became a win-win-win situation. 

Brent Sobleski covers the NFL and NFL draft for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @brentsobleski.