NFL Trade Machine: Matt Forte Destinations

Dec 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

A contract dispute has put the Chicago Bears at odds with their star running back Matt Forte.  The 29-year old is in the final year of his deal and as a form of protest decided not to attend voluntary team workouts.

Normally this would not be a huge deal but the Bears are under a new coaching staff with John Fox and Adam Gase so one would think Forte would want to take every opportunity to learn the new offense being installed.  The two-time Pro Bowler insists it isn’t a big deal, but the situation merely reinforces the likely standoff to come.

Considering he is one of the best offensive assets not only on the team but in the league, it’s understandable the Bears might consider an NFL trade scenario in order to get something back.  Age concerns aside, Forte is arguably the most versatile running back in the game and shows no signs of slowing down.  There are a number of teams out there with the means and motive to get him.  It’s just a matter of compensation.

Here are a few that could pull the trigger.

Oakland Raiders

With all due respect to Latavius Murray, the Oakland Raiders are still in a bit of a fog regarding their running back situation.  To date there is nobody on the roster who is a proven commodity, which needs to change if they’re going to take heat off of promising second-year quarterback Derek Carr.  Forte would represent a huge step in the right direction and they have over $22 million in cap space, more than enough to handle his contract.

Dallas Cowboys

DeMarco Murray is gone.  Anybody who thinks Darren McFadden can replace him with the Dallas Cowboys is sniffing some laughing gas.  Tony Romo understood the significance of losing the reigning rushing champion.  Running the ball is what got Dallas to the playoffs last season.  Unless they’re willing to surrender a high draft choice on the position, they are in danger of regressing right back to where they were:  an 8-8 team.  Forte would change that.

Tennessee Titans

Bishop Sankey was a massive flop in his rookie year for the Tennessee Titans.  There really isn’t much to indicate he’ll improve but then again there is hope.  Still, the team has a deep desire to get back to winning after so many seasons of mediocrity.  How good would it get if they were able to add one of the top quarterbacks in the draft and then bring in Forte on top of it?  Certainly would make things more interesting in that AFC South division.