Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte announced on Friday that the team won’t re-sign him for the 2016 season. He had wanted to stay with the team.
The news was announced by Forte on Instagram. He made $7.05 million with the Bears this past season and had asked for an extension last offseason.
However, Bears general manager Ryan Pace turned the request down since they want to give Jeremy Langford a bigger role with the offense, according to ESPN. Langford rushed for 537 yards and six touchdowns this past season. Forte will become a free agent on March 9 when the new league year begins.
Forte wrote on Instagram:
"Despite my wishes, my days as a member of the Chicago Bears have sadly come to an end. I was informed earlier this week from the GM 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!"
Pace said in a statement that the Bears have lots of respect for Forte and that he is one of the all-time greats for the Bears. He thanked Forte for his professionalism and wished him the best in the future.
Forte was drafted by the Bears in 2008. This past season, he led the Bears in rushing with 898 yards, had 44 receptions for 389 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 8,602 rushing yards and 4,116 receiving yards in eight seasons with the Bears, according to NFL.com. He also had 64 touchdowns.
Forte is second on the Bears all-time list for rushing yards, yards from scrimmage (12,718), receptions (487), and 100-yard games (24), behind Walter Payton. He is third in total touchdowns and sixth in receiving yards (4,116).
The Bears will have Ka’Deem Carey in the backfield along with Langford. It will be interesting to see where Forte ends up.