Could the Chicago Bears Actually be Looking to Get Rid of Matt Forte?

There could be a number of changes next season in Chicago that could be good or maybe not so good for the team. To put it another way, they may not be real popular with the fans. Rumors have already been circulating that the team may not bring back wide receiver Brandon Marshall next season. Yes, he is getting older and can be a real pain in the behind, but he produces on the field.

That is not the worst of it though. It seems there are also rumors circulating that the team is open to trading running back Matt Forte.

@TheCauldron/Twitter

For years Forte has been the driving force behind the Bears offense with over 1800 carries to his name over the last seven seasons to go with 443 receptions (102 of which came last season). Next season he will make $8 million and will turn the dreaded age of 30 during the season.

So the question for the Bears will be whether they want to give him an extension prior to or during the 2015 season, let him go after the season, or try to trade him now so they can get something for him before he walks.

He says he wants to stay in Chicago and finish his career as a Bear, but lots of players say that and then go play somewhere else for a couple years before retiring.

A lot of football left in me. I want to play them for the Chicago Bears and retire a lifelong Bear. But they have to want the same thing...
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) February 21, 2015

Rumor has it the team is willing to listen if the right packaged deal comes along. As much as that idea might suck to fans it is the smart thing to do. Should they let him walk someone will sign him. He has been too good for too long to stay on the market which is exactly why the team should look in to trading him.

Someone out there will believe he has some good football left in him. How much or what they are willing to give up is a hard question to answer. He could still be a solid No. 2 that could still play the role of a No. 1 back on occasion for the right team.

Since he is getting old the team may not get much for him, but anything is better than seeing a star player walk. Whether he will be a star player after he turns 30 we will not know until the 2016 season starts. Some guys continue to play well in to their 30's, but many do not.

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