Former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte agreed to a deal with the New York Jets on Wednesday. However, terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.
The Bears had informed Forte in February that they wouldn’t offer him a contract to return, giving him the freedom to sign with another team. On the Jets, Forte will replace Chris Ivory who has agreed to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN. He will be reunited with former Bears teammate Brandon Marshall.
The Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins also had an interest in the running back, with the Packers reportedly having had serious interest.
Forte was drafted by the Bears in 2008 and was with the team for his entire eight-year career. Last year, he had 44 catches for 389 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 898 yards and four touchdowns, according to the New York Post. He leads the NFL in all-purpose yards (12,718) since entering the league. Forte is the Bears' second-most productive tailback in franchise history behind Walter Payton.
The Jets are trying to re-sign running back Bilal Powell, who has garnered interest from the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos and several other teams. In addition to signing Forte, the Jets released tight end Jeff Cumberland, who had 86 receptions for 1,119 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Jets.