Bye Bye Matt

[cubzzzfanincali]

Yes, there is plenty of money. Lets see them get another 32 million Jared Allen type waste of money when you know exactly what you had in Forte. No guessing other than if he will break the chain of the over 30 running back being productive.

I think one thing everyone should be able to agree on is that just because the Bears have a good amount of cap space right now, spending marquee money on older celebrity players would be a major mistake. But the Bears can - and absolutely should - be targeting younger guys that can be contributors for a few years into the future. If we can grab a slightly-washed up older vet here or there on a 1-year deal of medium money, fine, but it is crucial for them to look downstream.

 

[noonthirtyjoe]

I don't know what MF wanted Cali. So it's hard to gauge if he should have been kept. We'll see what someone else pays I guess. It's not just money either now. Now we will use a draft pick that we could have used elsewhere. Fox is known to go HB early.

 

[DJ]

Totally disrespectful. If they had done this to Cutler I could see it.
But, Forte was a great teammate and their MVP during his tenure there.

 

[wood20ks]

Not sure Cali but we have plenty of money and I wanted the guy to retire a Bear. I do believe he earned that. I know it's a business but sometimes it's more. Also it left us with another hole to fill.

Every year at this same time,we cut someone,we always have a hole to fill.But I think Langford and you like Carey,I think JL could fil in in nicely for matt myself.and I relly think that we won`t regret letting him go as much as I bet they regret the BM trade.
And besides,say if they drafted the rb from OS(drawing a blank on the name) or Henry from Alabama,what would be wrong with that?
I know most guys here want defense,but I`d be leaning towards Wentz,Lynch or one of those two rbs I mentioned as a good 1st pick in my mind.....

And what freeagent rbs are out there?
Is there a list of players out there?

Not all is lost yet Noon.....

 

[cubzzzfanincali]

we don't HAVE to draft a RB. We might, but it isn't a must do. Come Mar 9, there will be dozens of midgrade journey RBs available to provide the team some depth. I was nowhere near as high on Langford as many, but even I think he should at least be given a real shot at it. He was only a rookie after all. Let's see what he's got. I'm also not close minded about Carey. I think both of them deserve a shot. And if Pace does find a guy he likes, fine, take him, we have nine picks, and RB isn't a premium draft position these days. But we shouldn't feel forced to do it.

I would bet Forte will wind up with a contract somewhere in the vicinity of $6.5-$7 million or so. I think there are teams that will want him. I would rather that the Bears take some of that money and use it to help lure a good young O Lineman than to throw the whole wad into a RB.

We will have a much better idea of who is actually going to be available in early March. We don't yet know who will be tagged or resigned, but looking at things, there are going to be a pile of free agents available this offseason and a lot of player movement.

 

[richig07]

I don't know what MF wanted Cali. So it's hard to gauge if he should have been kept. We'll see what someone else pays I guess. It's not just money either now. Now we will use a draft pick that we could have used elsewhere. Fox is known to go HB early.

It's 2016. No one goes HB early.

 

[richig07]

Not sure Cali but we have plenty of money and I wanted the guy to retire a Bear. I do believe he earned that. I know it's a business but sometimes it's more. Also it left us with another hole to fill.

So, since we "have money"... we should just throw it at 30 year old RB's? Instead of helping our football team get better?

 

[noonthirtyjoe]

So, since we "have money"... we should just throw it at 30 year old RB's? Instead of helping our football team get better?

Did we get better? Will we be better without MF?

 

[noonthirtyjoe]

It's 2016. No one goes HB early.

The Rams did last year, stole my guy.

 

[RobBase]

Rumor is the Packers are going to sign him to push Lacy.

 

[noonthirtyjoe]

Rumor is the Packers are going to sign him to push Lacy.

That would hurt. To see MF in green.

 

[noonthirtyjoe]

If he signs for 6 or 7 mil per year then we made the right move Cali. I'll bet he signs for about 4.5 mil per year.

 

[anotheridiot]

I think one thing everyone should be able to agree on is that just because the Bears have a good amount of cap space right now, spending marquee money on older celebrity players would be a major mistake. But the Bears can - and absolutely should - be targeting younger guys that can be contributors for a few years into the future. If we can grab a slightly-washed up older vet here or there on a 1-year deal of medium money, fine, but it is crucial for them to look downstream.

thats exactly what they did when they committed 32 million to Jared Allen, someone that was not productive in minnesota and was not the focal point of either side of the ball. We will see how this tone turns when they do sign a veteran backup runner for more than Matt gets that does absolutely nothing.

You are not comparing an old running back to THE guy that was THE focal point of the offense who has plenty left who could ALWAYS be count on for moving the football.

 

[wood20ks]

That would hurt. To see MF in green.

I would scream........

 

[wood20ks]

It's 2016. No one goes HB early.

What is early?

Picks 1-10 ?
A 1st round pick?

Cause what's wrong with picking one of these two:

• image: http://walterfootball.com/college/OhioState_logo.gif
  
  Ezekiel Elliott*, RB, Ohio State
  Height: 6-0. Weight: 225.
  Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
  Projected Round (2016): 1.
  2/6/16: Elliott averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2015 for 1,821 yards with 23 touchdowns. He had 27 receptions for 206 yards as well.
  
  Elliott was tremendous with his burst, vision, balance and ability to rip off yards in chunks. He has the strength to run through tackles and pick up yards after contact with the burst to get to the second level. Elliott also did some nice blocking, which is valuable for pro evaluators. His first-step quickness is phenomenal, and he looks to be a future three-down starter in the NFL. Sources have said that Elliott has graded out as a first-rounder.
  
  8/8/15: Elliot was the workhorse who carried the Buckeyes to last season's National Championship. He destroyed Wisconsin (20-220-2), Alabama (20-230-2) and Oregon (36-246-4) in the final three games to lead Ohio State. Elliot averaged 6.9 yards per carry in 2014 for 1,878 yards with 18 touchdowns. He had 28 receptions for 220 yards, too. Elliot showed speed, cutting ability and the ability to pick up yards after contact. He is a well-rounded back who does everything well.

Those are very impressive numbers.
.

• image: http://walterfootball.com/college/Alabama_logo.gif
  
  Derrick Henry*, RB, Alabama
  Height: 6-3. Weight: 241.
  Projected 40 Time: 4.59.
  Projected Round (2016): 1-3.
  2/6/16: In 2015, Henry averaged 5.7 yards per carry (359 carries) in 2015 for 2,061 yards with 25 touchdowns with 11 receptions for 91 yards. Not only was his running impressive, but the blitz protection will really excite scouts. Henry's contributions in the passing game will help his draft grade and give NFL teams the evidence that he can be a three-down starter as a pro.
  
  Henry is a downhill bulldozer who has an underrated burst to get to the second level and break off long runs. He isn't an elusive back, and is a one-cut downhill runner, but he has shown surprising speed to run away from defensive backs when he breaks off long runs.

I'm liking the size, power and some speed.Tired of watching Mattbeing being ankle tackled at the los.


I don't know yet,I guess we see what happens in freeagency,but Im all for one of those two ..
Maybe Wentz(some got as the no.1 qb now) or Goff.

 

[RP-29]

Rumor is the Packers are going to sign him to push Lacy.

I would scream........

My brother and I talked about the Packers signing Forte as soon as this news went public. Truthfully, he would be a great fit for the Pack. However, Forte's public statement of the decision leads me to believe that the Packers - no matter how good the fit - might be at the bottom of his wish list.

"Despite my wishes, my days as a member of the Chicago Bears have sadly come to an end. I was informed earlier this week from the GM that they will not be attempting to re-sign me in free agency. I will remain forever grateful for my time spent in Chicago and being able to play for an organization with such a rich history. My only regret is not being able to win a Lombardi trophy for the best fans in all of sports. I'm excited about the next chapter of my NFL career. But, Chicago will always be home. God Bless and Bear Down!"

I've always had a great deal of respect for Forte. If he avoids the Packers to preserve his Bears legacy, my respect for him would be even greater than if he joins the Packers.

 

[GNG]

well, not hugely surprised, and I think it's the right move, but he certainly was a great running back for us and I hope he gets the money he is looking for.

I don't understand why the Bears would cut there best offensive threat. I believe he is only 30.

 

[GNG]

My brother and I talked about the Packers signing Forte as soon as this news went public. Truthfully, he would be a great fit for the Pack. However, Forte's public statement of the decision leads me to believe that the Packers - no matter how good the fit - might be at the bottom of his wish list.



I've always had a great deal of respect for Forte. If he avoids the Packers to preserve his Bears legacy, my respect for him would be even greater than if he joins the Packers.

The Cowboys would be a great fit for Forte. He'd love running behind that big OL.

 

[RP-29]

The Cowboys would be a great fit for Forte. He'd love running behind that big OL.

Funny you mention that... I suggested that exact same thing to my brother last week. Not only do the 'Boys have a good line, but they have enough pieces in place overall to make a playoff run and I gotta believe Forte is going to want to sign with a contender.

 

[NCChiFan]

Did we get better? Will we be better without MF?

It really depends on what they use the money for... IF we score a real good F/A in the right spot, then yes we could be better without MF. Hard to know until this plays out. I believe the two backs we have right now can produce the same yardage as MF or at least close to it. It just depends on how they're used. I actually believe running yardage will improve, it is the catching yardage I'm more worried about.