Matt Forte Hopes To Return With Bears In 2016
By Chris Emma—
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Bears running back Matt Forte spoke Wednesday as a man who hopes to retire in Chicago, yet he remains aware of the cruel realities of this NFL business.
With just two games left in this 2015 season and a pair of chances left to suit up in a Bears uniform before his contract expires, Forte expressed his desire to be back in Chicago next season.
"Do I want to come back? Yes," Forte said. "That would be ideal for me, but that doesn't always happen in this business.
Forte turned 30 earlier this month, the age that's often viewed as the end of a running back's shelf life. Yet, Forte has defied how the modern NFL running back is viewed, because he works hard to stay in such tremendous shape.
Just this offseason, Forte approached new Bears general manager Ryan Pace with the hopes of getting a new deal in place before the season began. Pace preferred to see what Forte could do this season, to see that his production wouldn't tail off. Forte has 768 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while adding 38 receptions for four touchdowns, while playing 11 of the Bears' 14 games to this point.
While Forte was out with an MCL sprain, rookie running back Jeremy Langford proved his worth for the future, making a decision on Forte a bit different. Forte's content with splitting carries entering his ninth season, and signing for a big number isn't a priority.
"At this point, I'm not worried about earning powers," Forte said. "I've made money as a football player. It's not about that."
Forte wants "something respectful" as an offer from the Bears and hopes to be notified up front as to what the team's intentions are. He doesn't want to be toyed with.
Former Bears coach Lovie Smith – whose Bucs host Chicago this Sunday in Tampa Bay – sees Forte as the same running back from his days as a rookie in 2008.
"I remember the first day that Matt Forte showed up as a rookie, in a suit, like he was on a trip," Smith said. "It seems like he's been on a business trip ever since.
With just two games remaining on the 2015 slate, Forte's not looking at this potential close to his Bears career with great emotion. Instead, he's remaining businesslike and hoping for the best.
But Forte's also realistic about what could be ahead – a change of scenery – having been backed off the negotiating table once before.
"There's not much to hope for right now," Forte said. "I've talked to them earlier, and they haven't said anything back."
Forte isn't approaching his future or even these last two games in Chicago with any sense of doom or gloom. If the Bears don't want him, someone else will. His career is far from over. He hopes for at least two more years, perhaps four if his body can hold up.
The Bears' workhorse may be moving on, but he's handling the winds of change with the same professionalism as always.
"I play ball every Sunday, as hard as I can," Forte said. "And then I worry about that when free agency comes about."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
