Written by Brad Briggs at ChicagoTribune.com
Playing for an organization with a deep history of some of the best running backs the NFL has ever seen, Matt Forte walks away as the second-most productive back in Chicago Bears history.
Forte announced on his Instagram account Friday morning that the club informed him earlier this week he was not in its plans moving forward. He will be an unrestricted free agent and is free to sign with any team beginning March 9.
The Bears met with Forte and let him know they plan to go in a different direction. It’s not a surprise and Forte had admitted this was a very real possibility before the season ended.
“Despite my wishes, my days as a member of the Chicago Bears have sadly come to an end,” Forte wrote. “I was informed earlier this week from the GM (Ryan Pace) that they will not be attempting to re-sign me in free agency. I will remain forever grateful for my time spent in Chicago and being able to play for an organization with such a rich history. My only regret is not being able to win a Lombardi trophy for the best fans in all of sports. I’m excited about the next chapter of my NFL career. But, Chicago will always be home. God Bless and Bear Down!”
Forte rushed for 8,602 yards in eight seasons with the Bears, who drafted him from Tulane in the second round in 2008, one of former GM Jerry Angelo’s best draft picks. He missed three games last season with a knee sprain but still led the team with 898 yards rushing and caught 44 passes for 389 yards. Forte set an NFL record for receptions by a running back in 2014 when he caught 102 passes. He rushed for a career-high 1,339 yards in 2013.
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