The New England Patriots are looking to get back into Super Bowl contention next season and will look to make moves in the offseason. At this point in time, they are expected to look into signing running back Matt Forte in 2016 NFL free agency.
Adding a piece like Forte would be huge for the Patriots, although there are major question marks about whether they could afford his price tag. He wants to compete for championships, which might make him more likely to sign at a discount with a team like New England. Tom Brady is always a draw to play with and the Patriots' offense runs a perfect system for Forte.
Forte has been one of the best receiving running backs in the league for quite some time, which is exactly what the Patriots like having in their backfield.
Chicago may decide to try and bring Forte back next season, but at this point in time that doesn't look to be the case. They are likely to go with the younger and cheaper option in Jeremy Langford. If they do go that route, it will mean a start to a new era without Forte being one of the best backs in the league in their backfield.
Throughout the course of the 2015 NFL season, Forte struggled a bit due to the dual-back system and injury issues. He carried the football 218 times for 898 yards and four touchdowns in 13 regular season games. Forte also caught 44 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns on the season.
New England saw Dion Lewis excel in their offense this season. Adding a much more talented back like Forte onto the team in his place and the Patriots' offense would be even more dangerous.
Brady and the Patriots made it all the way to the AFC Championship game before falling to the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. Bill Belichick is going to find a way to get them back into the postseason once again next year, barring major injury issues. Forte would be wise to jump on board and see where he can get with one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
All of that being said, expect to hear the Patriots show interest in signing Forte when free agency opens up.
