Patriots Won’t Get Forte

The Matt Forte era has come to an end in Chicago, everyone is placing the Patriots as potential landing spots for the versatile running back, but he won’t end up in a Patriots uniform, and here’s why:

Money

Forte probably still views himself as one of the top backs in football and he’ll want to be paid accordingly. There is no way the Patriots offer him anywhere near $4 million a year, which is probably something a team like Dallas will do. The Patriots have never been known to open the checkbook, and we shouldn’t expect them to do it this time either.

Current Roster

Before injuries, the Patriots had a solid one-two punch in the backfield. Then, the injuries kicked in and the wheels fell off. The Patriots will probably ride with Dion Lewis (coming off ACL), and maybe Blount (Hip). If the Patriots decide not to re-sign Blount (he’s a free agent this off season), they’ll probably go with a bigger, more battering ram type back, which is something Forte is not. Forte is a solid back, who does a lot of the things Dion Lewis did before he got hurt. Unless Lewis isn’t recovering well, the Patriots won’t pursue Forte at all.

Competition

There will be a bunch of running back needy teams that will be clamoring at Forte. Unless someone like Jamaal Charles gets cut, Forte will be the highest sought after back this off season. Teams like the Packers, Cowboys, Ravens, Colts and Texans could all be willing to open the checkbook, the Patriots just don’t do that.

Other Options

The Patriots do one thing very well (no, it’s not cheat), it’s that they sign players who were a thorn in their side. They did it with Welker, Scott Chandler and Sammy Morris. I think if the Patriots are interested in getting a new running back they’ll go after Chris Ivory. Ivory has been a work horse for the Jets for several seasons, but he’ll probably end up a cap casualty. The AFC East loves to mix and match players, every season it seems like an old opponent becomes a new ally. This just follows that mold. Plus, Ivory fits the battering ram running back the Patriots will be looking for if Blount isn’t held onto.

If Lewis recovers well from his injury, there will be no need for Matt Forte at all, we’ve seen what a Lewis and Blount/Ivory running attack can be. The Patriots won’t need to break the bank on a running back, they just need to fix their line and let the ones they have thrive.