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Experts Think The New York Giants Shouldn’t Pursue Matt Forte, But Why Not?

By Christopher Schwarz

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs off the field after the NFL game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears announced Friday that Matt Forte won’t be re-signed when his contract expires in March. Forte just turned 30 and that’s typically when running backs turn into a pumpkin. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry last season, but his base salary was $7 million which is a little too rich for the Bears’ blood. Chicago also saw the emergence of rookie Jeremy Langford in 2015.

The New York Giants certainly have other more pressing needs. Almost every position on defense could use an upgrade and after two starting offensive linemen the were cut this week, that group needs to be rebuilt as well. And with four running backs under contract, there would seem to be no need to sign another.

But the Giants had plenty of problems running the ball last season. New York finished 19th in rushing yards and the four-man rotation kept the Giants from gaining 100 yards in a game until Week 7. It wasn’t until Rashad Jennings was used as the primary back that the running game got any traction. The Giants only had 5 rushing touchdowns on the year and ranked 29th in red zone TD percentage.

In a down year for Forte, he still rushed for 898 yards and 4 TDs while splitting time with Langford. Many argue that Shane Vereen has a similar skill set to Forte, but Vereen isn’t an every-down running back. When Vereen came in the game on third down, he was an obvious target for a pass. And while Giants fans scream for more Orleans Darkwa, he’s still an unproven entity with an injury history. Then there’s Andre Williams who has yet to prove he has any consistency.

If the Giants were to take a chance on a short-term deal for Forte, they may have the dynamic offense that was missing in 2015. He would be a threat on the ground or through the air on every down. Jennings had a career year rushing and the Giants should be pleased with his production. But adding Forte to the rotation could bring the ground game to a level the Giants haven’t seen since Earth, Wind and Fire.

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