Forte says he's leaving (on Facebook)

[Connorbear]

https://www.facebook.com/mattforte22/?targe...996746497065467

[madlithuanian]

Sadly, not surprising. The logic makes sense, but my heart hurts a bit.

 

I think we all can agree...THANK YOU MATT! You did the team and fans proud. We are beyong thrilled that you graced us with your efforts over the years. You will always be a Bear. Bear down!

 

https://www.facebook.com/mattforte22/?targe...996746497065467

 

[CrackerDog]

I think we all can agree...THANK YOU MATT!

 

No question. He's a class act and I'm sad to see him go elsewhere.

[DABEARSDABOMB]

I understand the move from the Bears side, but I am still sad. He was a class act all the way and I'll always root for him (yes, even if he signs with the Packers...except than I'll root for him to have a good game in a Packer loss)

[Connorbear]

Forte was a class act and a great Bear. I understand the move but it doesn't mean I am happy about it.

 

Thank you for everything, Matt!!

 

Peace

 

[Bears4Ever_34]

True class act. I wish him the best. I was torn on the decision. I thought the Bears had a nice 3 man team with Forte, Langford, and Carey at RB, but obviously the front office wanted to get younger and move in a different direction. Can't say I'm surprised.

[adam]

I am somewhat surprised at no offer. Pace clearly has a strict plan and is not letting emotions get in the way. Forte will be missed, a consummate pro on and off the field. Hopefully he gets a decent deal and we actually get a comp pick.

 

Langford is now the man.

 

Statement from Pace:

[jason]

Sadly, not surprising. The logic makes sense, but my heart hurts a bit.

 

I think we all can agree...THANK YOU MATT! You did the team and fans proud. We are beyong thrilled that you graced us with your efforts over the years. You will always be a Bear. Bear down!

 

I don't think it makes logical sense.

 

Forte was easily the best RB the Bears had last year.

-Better YPC than either Langford or Carey. Surprisingly, Langford was third.

-Nearly broke 1000yds despite losing a huge chunk of his carries

-Most receptions out of the backfield

-Easily better receiver out of the backfield (76%) while Langford barely broke 50%

 

This move is a mistake. It's particularly a mistake when Forte has stated he wants to come back to Chicago. When brokering a deal, both sides have to at least attempt to make a deal. The Bears should at least go to the table to see what he wants. To see if there is a middle ground.

 

"Take it or leave it" is not negotiation.

"We're not even interested" is not negotiation.

 

This move is a mistake.

[dawhizz]

I don't think it makes logical sense.

 

Forte was easily the best RB the Bears had last year.

-Better YPC than either Langford or Carey. Surprisingly, Langford was third.

-Nearly broke 1000yds despite losing a huge chunk of his carries

-Most receptions out of the backfield

-Easily better receiver out of the backfield (76%) while Langford barely broke 50%

 

This move is a mistake. It's particularly a mistake when Forte has stated he wants to come back to Chicago. When brokering a deal, both sides have to at least attempt to make a deal. The Bears should at least go to the table to see what he wants. To see if there is a middle ground.

 

"Take it or leave it" is not negotiation.

"We're not even interested" is not negotiation.

 

This move is a mistake.

 

I don't think you can label it a mistake until we see (1) what he ends up getting on the open market, and (2) how Pace spends the $ that could've gone to Forte. If he goes for $2 million to the Packers or something, it's going to look bad. If he gets $6-7 million to go somewhere, that's $ I'd rather spend elsewhere, and I'd rather know I have it than be negotiating with free agents with that potential commitment in the back of my mind.

[CrackerDog]

This move is a mistake.

 

How did I know this was going to be your take on it? LOL!

 

I'm disappointed he's not going to finish out his career here but understand the move given the fall from grace the RB position has taken over the years, particularly for guys over 30. But yeah, if Langford goes down in the third game of the year or isn't the guy we all think he can be, I'm sure we'll hear a lot of "I told you so" out of you.

[jason]

I don't think you can label it a mistake until we see (1) what he ends up getting on the open market, and (2) how Pace spends the $ that could've gone to Forte. If he goes for $2 million to the Packers or something, it's going to look bad. If he gets $6-7 million to go somewhere, that's $ I'd rather spend elsewhere, and I'd rather know I have it than be negotiating with free agents with that potential commitment in the back of my mind.

 

It's a mistake to forego the negotiation as if some moderate middle ground can't be reached. That is absolutely the first step towards everything in negotiation. It's not debatable. If you go to the table you never know what the other person is willing to offer. If their offer is too steep, then you pass. But you must try to see if you can get great value. That's negotiation 101.

 

How did I know this was going to be your take on it? LOL!

 

I'm disappointed he's not going to finish out his career here but understand the move given the fall from grace the RB position has taken over the years, particularly for guys over 30. But yeah, if Langford goes down in the third game of the year or isn't the guy we all think he can be, I'm sure we'll hear a lot of "I told you so" out of you.

 

Injuries can't be helped. But if Langford + Carey fall off, then you'll certainly hear "I told you so" from me. Negotiate first, then tell him you can't do it. Unless you negotiate, you don't know what the other side is willing to concede.

[Chitownhustla]

I don't think it makes logical sense.

 

Forte was easily the best RB the Bears had last year.

-Better YPC than either Langford or Carey. Surprisingly, Langford was third.

-Nearly broke 1000yds despite losing a huge chunk of his carries

-Most receptions out of the backfield

-Easily better receiver out of the backfield (76%) while Langford barely broke 50%

 

This move is a mistake. It's particularly a mistake when Forte has stated he wants to come back to Chicago. When brokering a deal, both sides have to at least attempt to make a deal. The Bears should at least go to the table to see what he wants. To see if there is a middle ground.

 

"Take it or leave it" is not negotiation.

"We're not even interested" is not negotiation.

 

This move is a mistake.

 

 

Im leaning your way on this one.

 

 

What is better for the team moving fwd : Langford and youth movement getting more snaps vs Forte and everything he brings to the team

 

 

 

I hope Forte goes to NE or Sea......... Go for a SB Forte!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Alaskan Grizzly]

Im leaning your way on this one.

 

 

What is better for the team moving fwd : Langford and youth movement getting more snaps vs Forte and everything he brings to the team

 

 

 

I hope Forte goes to NE or Sea......... Go for a SB Forte!!!!!!!

 

As they say in France: "Moi aussi". I agree. And as much as it pains me I also agree with Jason. I feel there should have at least been an effort to sign him. I'd much rather have read something along the lines of "...neither camp could come to an agreement..." rather than what appears to be no attempt at all.

 

I get the 'why' of Chicago not signing him but like has been already said can we really trust what Langford has to bring? If not he then what about Carey? Carey's already been dinged a few times and Langford has just the one year. The question of 'what if' is a valid concern. I would be a little less concerned if I knew the team at least tried and /or offered him some sort of minimal contract offer.

 

Or is just the traditionalist in me that hates to see important pieces to the team leave?

[Chitownhustla]

As they say in France: "Moi aussi". I agree. And as much as it pains me I also agree with Jason. I feel there should have at least been an effort to sign him. I'd much rather have read something along the lines of "...neither camp could come to an agreement..." rather than what appears to be no attempt at all.

 

I get the 'why' of Chicago not signing him but like has been already said can we really trust what Langford has to bring? If not he then what about Carey? Carey's already been dinged a few times and Langford has just the one year. The question of 'what if' is a valid concern. I would be a little less concerned if I knew the team at least tried and /or offered him some sort of minimal contract offer.

 

Or is just the traditionalist in me that hates to see important pieces to the team leave?

 

 

I cant wait to see what Forte signs for. I would easily bet that Forte still has two good years left. If he signs for 4 to 5 mil a year and performs well for 2 years this could look bad for Pace. Maybe Forte's agent already knows what he will get on the open market and the Bears are not willing to go that high???

 

 

At Least Pace took the time meet with Forte, Forte got more respect from Pace than Urlacher got from Emery.

[DrunkBomber]

Bad news for us as Bears fans. Great news for me in the TalkBears keeper league.

[scs787]

I am somewhat surprised at no offer. Pace clearly has a strict plan and is not letting emotions get in the way. Forte will be missed, a consummate pro on and off the field. Hopefully he gets a decent deal and we actually get a comp pick.

 

Langford is now the man.

 

Statement from Pace:

 

I think the word "Plan" is the biggest key here. Forte was simply not part of that plan, so there was no need to enter any discussions.

 

Sad to see him go, but it's time to move on and further develop Langford and Carey.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

I think the word "Plan" is the biggest key here. Forte was simply not part of that plan, so there was no need to enter any discussions.

 

Sad to see him go, but it's time to move on and further develop Langford and Carey.

 

..or.... He (Pace) could be entering this similar to how Emery did and say 'my way or highway', with a hint more respect. No real way for us to know but surely does give us (at least me) reason to pause. So far he's let BM go and we saw how that affected the WR game. And now he's letting go a cog in the running game...how that turns remains to be seen. As others have said, if it fails...so too could Pace.

 

TD might be right in looking at him with less than rose colored glasses.

[adam]

I would say the lack of an offer has to be tied to a couple of things:

 

1. They didn't want to disrespect him with a low-ball offer (less money or shorter length), knowing he would command more on the open market. Just because the Bears didn't make an offer doesn't mean Forte's agent didn't throw some numbers at the Bears.

2. Pace knows the Bears are still a year or two away, so there is no point bringing him back if he is not a long term solution. It also gives Forte a shot at a SB (like Peanut and Allen).

3. They project Forte to drop off further or faster than expected and are in the camp of cutting sling earlier than later.

4. Pace is eyeing Ezekiel Elliott in the draft or a FA RB that is younger.

5. Pace has no clue what he is doing and we will be a dumpster fire until he is fired.

[Chitownhustla]

I would say the lack of an offer has to be tied to a couple of things:

 

1. They didn't want to disrespect him with a low-ball offer (less money or shorter length), knowing he would command more on the open market. Just because the Bears didn't make an offer doesn't mean Forte's agent didn't throw some numbers at the Bears.

2. Pace knows the Bears are still a year or two away, so there is no point bringing him back if he is not a long term solution. It also gives Forte a shot at a SB (like Peanut and Allen).

3. They project Forte to drop off further or faster than expected and are in the camp of cutting sling earlier than later.

4. Pace is eyeing Ezekiel Elliott in the draft or a FA RB that is younger.

5. Pace has no clue what he is doing and we will be a dumpster fire until he is fired.

 

 

I love Elliott , cant wait to see his combine numbers. He ran all over Bama and he left some of those guys in the dust. With the amount of holes in this roster I would rather sign Forte and fill other holes this year. But hey you may right Pace may see Elliott as the next IT RB.

[Alaskan Grizzly]

I would say the lack of an offer has to be tied to a couple of things:

 

1. They didn't want to disrespect him with a low-ball offer (less money or shorter length), knowing he would command more on the open market. Just because the Bears didn't make an offer doesn't mean Forte's agent didn't throw some numbers at the Bears.

2. Pace knows the Bears are still a year or two away, so there is no point bringing him back if he is not a long term solution. It also gives Forte a shot at a SB (like Peanut and Allen).

3. They project Forte to drop off further or faster than expected and are in the camp of cutting sling earlier than later.

4. Pace is eyeing Ezekiel Elliott in the draft or a FA RB that is younger.

5. Pace has no clue what he is doing and we will be a dumpster fire until he is fired.

 

For the sake of the team I hope you are wrong with #5...but I guess we'll see.

 

And to be honest before the announcement of Forte I was wondering if they wouldn't entertain the idea of drafting another RB. Probably around round 3-4(?) Makes sense considering the style of offense Fox likes to use. Would be splendid to have a capable stable of very young running backs.

[Stinger226]

I don't think it makes logical sense.

 

Forte was easily the best RB the Bears had last year.

-Better YPC than either Langford or Carey. Surprisingly, Langford was third.

-Nearly broke 1000yds despite losing a huge chunk of his carries

-Most receptions out of the backfield

-Easily better receiver out of the backfield (76%) while Langford barely broke 50%

 

This move is a mistake. It's particularly a mistake when Forte has stated he wants to come back to Chicago. When brokering a deal, both sides have to at least attempt to make a deal. The Bears should at least go to the table to see what he wants. To see if there is a middle ground.

 

"Take it or leave it" is not negotiation.

"We're not even interested" is not negotiation.

 

This move is a mistake.

I think this tells us much about where the Bears think they are at this point in time. If they thought they were a potentially a playoff team next year, they would have made him an offer. If they think it will be 3 years from now to be a SB contender then they are doing the right thing. He was a very good player, but the Bears are looking for the future and we are all in the now. It is just a fact of football to start going young at every position. I think this means we will draft one in one of our 6 th round picks. I think we will be just fine with a RB by committee scenario.

[scs787]

I really like Elliot, but I hope that isn't the plan. I don't want to see them draft one in the 3rd or 4th either.

 

I know they rotated in 3 guys last year but I think that was more about seeing what Carey can do, and to me he passed the test.

 

Our #3 right now is kind of a forgotten guy, esp. when it comes to the return game. Senorice Perry and his sub 4.4 speed.

 

If they wanna add to the rotation, I would prefer a FB like my Vitale who could add a lot of things to the team.

[Mongo3451]

He's order and slower. Not what a franchise on the rebound needs to invest in. He will be missed, but this is not a mIstake on any level. Thanks for the memories Matt.

[scs787]

I think this tells us much about where the Bears think they are at this point in time. If they thought they were a potentially a playoff team next year, they would have made him an offer. If they think it will be 3 years from now to be a SB contender then they are doing the right thing. He was a very good player, but the Bears are looking for the future and we are all in the now. It is just a fact of football to start going young at every position. I think this means we will draft one in one of our 6 th round picks. I think we will be just fine with a RB by committee scenario.

 

I disagree with this as well. At least I hope that isn't the thought process. The thought process should be as simple as they think they already have their replacements in place.

[scs787]

I think this tells us much about where the Bears think they are at this point in time. If they thought they were a potentially a playoff team next year, they would have made him an offer. If they think it will be 3 years from now to be a SB contender then they are doing the right thing. He was a very good player, but the Bears are looking for the future and we are all in the now. It is just a fact of football to start going young at every position. I think this means we will draft one in one of our 6 th round picks. I think we will be just fine with a RB by committee scenario.

 

I disagree with this as well. At least I hope that isn't the thought process. The thought process should be as simple as they think they already have their replacements in place.