Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace Informs Matt Forte Team Won't Attempt To Re-Sign Him

Despite his wishes to spend his entire career in the Windy City, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte was informed earlier this week by general manager Ryan Pace that the team would not be extending a new contract offer for 2016. It brings an end to an era that featured eight seasons, 12,718 yards from scrimmage and 64 touchdowns for Forte.

Matt Forte announces he won’t return to Bears next season https://t.co/7zeEpzhN5S pic.twitter.com/ud8Kps0Lw5

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 12, 2016

Pace and the Bears also released a statement: 

#Bears GM Ryan Pace on difficult decision not to resign Matt Forte: pic.twitter.com/jsW0qC2jER

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 12, 2016

It doesn’t come as any surprise that the Bears chose to part ways with the 30-year-old Forte, as the writing was one the wall when Pace and head coach John Fox made the decision to select Jeremy Langford out of Michigan State in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Langford went on to perform admirably in his rookie year, posting two games with over 142 yards from scrimmage while filling in for an injured Forte in Weeks 9 and 10.

As for Forte, he should have a number of suitors once free agency opens. The New England Patriots are a team that doesn’t have a featured back and they like to use older backs in their system. The Houston Texans will likely be looking for someone like Forte after releasing the oft-injured Arian Foster later this offseason. The New York Giants could be another team that would be interested in his services.

It’s unfortunate to see such a great guy and talented player be forced out the door, but so goes the business of the NFL.