I appreciate all of the excitement around here regarding Matt Forte but the fact of the matter is, the Patriots can’t afford him. Not unless Forte is willing to take a one year deal for short money. If he wants years and $3-4 million dollars a season, he won’t get that here. 

The Patriots are not in a position to afford Forte with all of the impending free agents they have next off-season. They could probably spend $2-2.5 million on a one year deal for 2016 but they couldn’t sign him beyond that. If you’re Forte, why take that deal? You are a 30 year old running back who needs to get that last contract. Forte knows that this will be his last long term contract. If he wants to win a championship, he takes a one to two year deal with the Patriots for short money. If he wants long term stability and more money, he signs elsewhere.

Forte would be a tremendous fit with the Patriots. At 6-1 225, he’s a big three down back who could run the football inside the tackles and push the pile. More importantly, he’s a terrific receiver who can be used in the passing game and in the screen game. 

There is no doubt in my mind the Patriots will pursue Forte. They need a bell cow running back they can lean on. Forte fits that description to a tee. The question is, does Forte want to sacrifice money for success? We’ll find out soon enough.

I would love to see Matt Forte in a Patriots uniform but I understand how this business works. It’s all about the money and unless Forte wants to play for less money, he’ll be playing elsewhere in 2016.