Oct 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is congratulated by tackle Charles Leno (72) after scoring the winning touchdown during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bears won 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Forte is a big name who could hit 2016 NFL free agency, but he could be expired goods?
Veteran running backs don’t hold near the value they used to in pro football. Teams have learned that older does not mean better at that position. Regardless, Forte is a tireless worker who can do a lot of things well on the football field. In the right hands, does he have some good football left in the tank?
The History:
Few running backs have had a more consistently good career in the past decade than Forte. Despite constant changes in coaching and scheme and teammates around him, the running back forges ahead. To date he has compiled as impressive (and balanced) a stat sheet as any player in NFL history over an eight season span.
- 8,252 yards rushing
- 4.2 yards per carry
- 468 catches
- 3,946 yards receiving
- 60 touchdowns
- Only six games missed to injury in career
Why this guy only has two Pro Bowls to his credit is beyond the understanding of many people, not just fans.
The Intrigue:
Forte was leading the league in rushing when he went down with an injury against Minnesota. He’s expected back soon but has already proven he can still play good football. There are zero questions about his conditioning or his character as a team player. In truth all signs point to a player teams still must game plan against.
All one need says is the phrase, “Imagine if he ended up on this team.” Then insert names like New England, Green Bay or Dallas and watch the experts shudder at the idea. It’s all the proof one needs that Forte was, and still is an offensive weapon.
The Conundrum:
As with most accomplished running back, there is a question of age and durability. Forte will turn 30-years old in December. That is the big ceiling most football experts know where backs start to breakdown due to the constant tackles and hits they’ve absorbed over their careers. The human body can only take so much punishment. Forte has touched the ball 2,421 times in his career. That is a lot, and doesn’t even count the many times he’s been asked to block.
Is this latest injury just a stroke of misfortune or a sign of things to come? That question is why much of Forte’s perceived stock in free agency will be dependent on his price. Teams will cool on him fast if he expects similar money to what he’s earned in Chicago.