Matt Forte Trade Rumors: Chicago Bears May Trade Forte, Robbie Gould Before NFL Deadline
Matt Forte trade rumors indicate the Chicago Bears could be busy at the trade deadline. A trade of Matt Forte would certainly frustrate Bears fans, but it could also set the franchise on a rebuilding path. A report from CBS Sports on Sunday, November 1, indicates that Chicago has “made it clear” that the team is open to moving several expensive veterans. That includes Forte, who could improve any team looking to acquire a running back for the second half of the NFL season.
During the 2015 NFL season, Forte has rushed for 507 yards on 126 carries. He should easily eclipse the 1,000-yard mark again this season, even if he doesn’t do it for the Bears. Forte also has 21 catches for 191 yards, but the Bears haven’t used him as often in the passing game as in the past. These are really good numbers through just six games, which is why he continues to also be a high selection in fantasy football leagues.
Now the Matt Forte trade rumors have come up in part because of his age, but also because of his salary and how badly the Chicago Bears have played recently. Forte is about to turn 30 (in December), which is pretty old for a running back in the NFL. He is under contract to earn just over $7 million in base salary this season, and will then become an unrestricted free agent in the NFL offseason.
What makes Forte a prime trade candidate is that a new team wouldn’t have to take on a long-term contract. It would be for only the remainder of the current season, and he would be in line for around $3.5 million for the rest of the year. That’s not an expensive price tag for a team that needs to make an improvement at the position. Several teams fit that mold, including the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and possibly even the Denver Broncos. It all comes down to whether one of those teams is willing to entice the front office in Chicago to finally pulling the trigger.
Other players that the Bears may deal before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, November 3, include Robbie Gould and Willie Young. Gould is putting together another good season as the kicker for the Bears. He has connected on 15-of-15 field goal attempts this season, including going 3-of-3 on kicks of 50 yards or longer. He had a very nice 54-yard field goal in Week 4 against the Oakland Raiders, and has shown that he can perform in cold weather situations. While trades involving kickers don’t happen too often, he is a player the Bears might find expendable now.
One of the most interesting names to surface in NFL trade rumors this season is linebacker Willie Young. He is a good pass rusher who could help out a team in need on adding defense. After posting 10 sacks in the 2014 NFL season, Young has seen his role on defense diminish a bit. A good player in a 4-3 defense, Young just doesn’t fit in as a starter in the new 3-4 defense the Bears are trying to run. It means he is serving as one of the reserve outside linebackers for most games. Young has also requested a trade, though the front office has declined to deal him so far.
At just 2-4 on the season, the Chicago Bears have nearly run out of time to make a run in the NFC. This makes a Week 8 game against the Minnesota Vikings a must-win for the team. The Vikings are at 4-2 and looking to become one of the NFC wild card teams this year. Losing to the Vikings would put the Bears a full three games behind them and likely create even more Matt Forte trade rumors. It adds a lot of pressure for the Bears to win now or possibly see some teammates dealt by Tuesday.
[Photo by Joe Robbins / Getty Images]
