The Bears already seem to be in rebuilding mode just three games into the season. This week, they traded two members of their defense, defensive end Jared Allen and linebacker Jon Bostic, but the biggest move could be yet to come. According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora and NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Bears would be willing to deal running back Matt Forte if the opportunity presents itself.
Is Matt Forte on the trade block for the Bears?
The Bears are reportedly willing to trade the star running back this season if the right deal comes along.
It’s rare for an NFL team to make drastic changes to its roster this early, but the new regime in Chicago seems eager to reshape the Bears. The team hired a new head coach (John Fox) and general manager (Ryan Pace) this offseason.
If the Bears trade Forte, who is inarguably their best offensive player, there would be no doubt that they’ve given up on this season and are looking toward the future. According to La Canfora, the Bears would want at least a second- or third-round pick in return for the running back, who reportedly hasn’t been offered up yet in any trade discussions. Still, La Canfora and Rapoport say the belief around the NFL is that the Bears would be willing to listen.
The biggest hurdle in trading Forte besides the likely steep asking price is his contract. The 29-year-old running back is owed $7 million this year, which is a lot of money for a team to take on in the middle of the season. Forte will be a free agent at the end of the year, though, meaning any team that takes him on would receive a compensatory draft pick in 2017 if he walks.
Forte remains highly productive, as he set an NFL record for receptions by a running back last year. He gained over 1,000 yards on the ground for the third consecutive season as well. So far this year, Forte has accumulated 345 yards from scrimmage. Rookie fourth-round pick Jeremy Langford has played sparingly behind Forte, but he could be the team’s future at the running back position.
The 2015 campaign is off to a disastrous start for the winless Bears, who have dropped their last two games by a combined score of 74-23. Last week's loss in Seattle, when they punted on all 10 possessions, was especially pathetic. Backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen has completed a paltry 57.5 percent of his passes and hasn't led the Bears into the end zone since he took over for injured starter Jay Cutler in Week 2.
The trades of Allen and Bostic brought back little in terms of value. Forte represents the best chance for the Bears to overhaul their team this season if he’s traded before the Nov. 3 deadline.
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