Should the LA Rams Consider Adding Matt Forte To The RB Rotation?

Despite my wishes, my days as a member of the Chicago Bears have sadly come to an end. I was informed earlier this week from the GM that they will not be attempting to re-sign me in free agency. I will remain forever grateful for my time spent in Chicago and being able to play for an organization with such a rich history. My only regret is not being able to win a Lombardi trophy for the best fans in all of sports. I'm excited about the next chapter of my NFL career. But, Chicago will always be home. God Bless and Bear Down!

A photo posted by Matt Forte (@mforte22) on Feb 12, 2016 at 7:15am PST

First of all, Matt Forte is a very productive running back, with numbers rivaling NFL legends. He's versatile in the running game and in the passing game, one of the NFL's best in the latter. From Frank Schwab at Yahoo Sports:

With 8,602 yards, Forte is second all-time in Bears history to just Walter Payton. He also had 4,116 yards receiving as one of the most versatile backs in the NFL.

However, he also has 2,000 plus carries and is 30+ years old. He is in a similar situation that Steven Jackson was in back in 2013 when the Rams legend opted out of his contract and signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Once running backs hit 30, most have a sharp decline.

So, should the LA Rams be interested in Forte? The Rams recently hired the Bears' running back coach of the last three seasons, Skip Peete, into the same position, as well as Bears wide receiver coach Mike Groh as a passing game coordinator. That familiarity could be intriguing to Forte, and the Rams could use experienced depth behind Gurley.

Fisher also puts a premium tag on big and versatile running backs, and Forte and Todd Gurley would make the league's best tandem allowing the Rams to be more dangerous from the backfield.

However, Forte could be looking for a multi-year deal averaging $9-10m per year, with $15-20m overall in guarantees. This figure would obviously not be in the cards for the Rams, who would not be looking to pay Forte elite RB money or sign him to long term deal and have many other needs to address.

If Forte's number came down and he agreed to a two year deal with incentives, he may be a great fit for the LA Rams as part of a potentially elite rotation of two Pro Bowl-caliber running backs.  However, at this time, and based on his current expected price, age, and other needs in free agency, the Rams should avoid spending so much on an area that's already stocked with talent.