Since his rookie season in 2008, Matt Forte leads all running backs in total yards from scrimmage (12,718), receptions (487) and receiving yards (4,116). In fact, Forte had 2,522 total touches (rushing and receiving) during his eight-year run with the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN Stats and Information, putting him ahead of Chris Johnson (2,396), Adrian Peterson (2,363) and Frank Gore (2,250).
Forte is the true definition of versatility at the position, a running back who can make plays in the passing game and find daylight on the ground with his smooth gait and cutback ability. But as the veteran prepares for free agency, how much juice does he have left in his 30-year-old body after all those touches? And what type of value does he have on the market at this stage of his career?
Yes, there is some wear on the tires with Forte, but this guy can still play (and extend his career) if he finds the right role in 2016. Here's why.
Zone schemes and nickel runs
Forte can give a team production on the ground in the power run schemes. Show some patience with the ball, allow the blocks to develop and then get up the field with a quick burst. But when I watch the tape, and study his vision, the zone running schemes truly cater to his skill set out of both base and nickel personnel (three wide receivers on the field).
That's where we see the lateral movement in his footwork, the upright glide in his gait and the ability to set up defenders at the second level. He can embarrasses some defensive backs in the open field. And while Forte has never been a true burner, he still has that initial acceleration to get through the hole when he finds a crease. That's key when running the stretch schemes or the inside zone out of the shotgun alignment.
In this example from their matchup with the Washington Redskins, the Bears are running a basic inside zone scheme out of the gun in the red zone. This gives Forte options to find some daylight and also to use his vision: track the linebacker off the ball and then exploit the open-side cutback lane to expose the defensive pursuit.
With the linebacker scraping to the strong side of the formation to close the running lane, Forte bends the ball back to the open side. It's a quick decision (with his shoulders square) to slide and then stick the foot in the ground. No wasted movement like we see with younger backs: See the lane, hug up to the end man on the line of scrimmage and put this ball in the end zone before the defensive back rolling down can squeeze the edge.
Forte isn't going to be a game-breaker, a guy who rips off 50- or 60-yard runs every Sunday. But when you think about his skill set as a zone runner, and the footwork he brings to the position, there's a lot of value here for a team in need of a veteran back to produce. He can still put up numbers and find running lanes.
Matchups in the passing game
Forte's receiving skills (and ability to block in pass protection) should be a strong negotiating tool when he starts talking contracts this spring in free agency. In today's NFL, the ability to create matchups in the passing game are crucial. And Forte gives you that out of the backfield and removed from the formation as a receiver.
The screen game is always going to be one of Forte's strength because of his talent with the ball in the open field. He is excellent at setting up blocks and generating positive angles on the basic screens, and even when he catches the ball on a quick swing or bubble. That's all over the tape. But Forte can also be used as a moveable piece to get the exact matchup the offense wants.
In this example, the Bears used Forte in the deep red zone on the game-winning score versus the Kansas City Chiefs. It's a pick play to give Forte a little separation to run the wheel route against a defensive back in coverage. Stack on top, make the grab and get the win. Forte gives the offense that ability to script specific plays based on the game situation.
The option route with the running back releasing out of the backfield or aligning in the slot (drawn above) is a weapon for the offense (think about the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX). With Forte, this is almost like cheating. A linebacker in coverage? We'll take that all day. Just clear out the field underneath (run off the cornerback) with Forte going to work on Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. Not only is this a high-percentage throw and a quick first down, it also allows Forte to use that lateral movement to separate at the break.
We already talked about Forte's running skills, but his ability to catch the ball (he has averaged almost 61 receptions per season, including a career-high 102 in 2014) should also be a very attractive option for NFL teams during free agency. You want a third-down back who can catch the ball and protect your quarterback? There you go.
Forte's reduced role moving forward
With any running back in his 30s, there are always durability concerns. When do the tires fall off? And while Forte has been very durable during his eight-year run in Chicago, playing 594 more snaps than any other back in the league, NFL teams have to be honest about his role moving forward.
Forte shouldn't be viewed as an every-down back. Yes, that's going to impact his total market value in free agency, but why would any team run this guy into the ground? That's bad football and poor personnel management. I'm thinking Forte should see 12-15 touches per game in 2016. That keeps his legs fresh and allows teams to maximize their investment on the veteran. Plus, that also gives teams that ability to get return on a two- or three-year deal.
Of course, players want to get paid. They want to be rewarded. And the contract is a status symbol in the locker room. It's a pride thing, really. But I wouldn't pay Forte as a No. 1 back. Not at this point in his career. If Forte is willing to accept a new, reduced role, he could be a weapon for plenty of teams.
Team fits for Forte
Without the grind of being a No. 1, Forte has some legit value. And really, his skill set in today's game fits with almost every team in the NFL.
But if I had to pick five teams, I would go with the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. He's a true fit for those clubs, and he brings value to all five offenses as a No. 2 back. The Patriots, Packers and Seahawks are real contenders -- and maybe that's the direction Forte choses to go. Go play for a ring. But when I study the Redskins and Raiders on tape, the idea of Forte sliding into those game plans sounds pretty sweet as both teams need a versatile player at the position.
After eight years of quality tape and really good numbers in Chicago, Forte should have options when the free-agent market opens up in March. Yes, the money is important. No one wants to overpay for a running back in his 30s. But if the price is right, there is no question about Forte's skill set and impact in a reduced role. He can still play.