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New York Jets Rumors: Matt Forte To Replace Chris Ivory?

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Jets Rumors: With Chris Ivory moving on as a free agent, could the Jets turn to veteran Matt Forte to replace him?

New York Jets rumors have been quiet thus far with NFL Free Agency opening for business today. As cap strapped as the Jets are, it will be difficult for them to be players for top flight free agents; they are already struggling to retain their own players. We saw that once already, as running back Chris Ivory has left the Jets and signed a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With Ivory out of the picture, and Bilal Powell also a free agent that could potentially leave, the Jets could be in the market for a whole new backfield. One option the Jets could turn to that could replace both the early down work of Ivory and passing game production of Powell is Chicago Bears free agent Matt Forte.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jets are one of the teams that have jumped into the market for Forte’s services, but they will not be alone.

In addition to the Miami Dolphins, the Green Bay Packers have also been linked to Forte since free agency began. For the Jets, Forte would be an outstanding signing as a veteran option that can bridge the gap to a younger player. Forte has proven in the past that he can be a workhorse as the leadback, but has the skill set to be a complimentary, situational player as well.

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Forte is older at 30-years old, and has some mileage on his legs, but he can still be a productive running back in the NFL. He averaged only 4.1 yards per carry last season on the ground, but proved he can still be a factor in the passing game, as he caught 44 passes on the season. The passing game is where Forte could really have an impact for the Jets, as he is only one season removed from catching 102 passes.

With both running backs from their rotation last season potentially leaving this offseason, the Jets will need to find a veteran to help replace that production. Forte should not break the bank, and would fit in perfectly with the scheme that the Jets are running offensively. It would give them another weapon offensively, which is never a bad thing to have.

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Forte is also durable, playing at least 12 games in every season of his career. He would be someone the Jets could count on in a number of different scenarios and help them replace the production lost by Ivory at a fraction of a cost.

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