The New York Jets, already in full-blown, free-fall tank mode, are reportedly looking to move running back Matt Forte if they can.
Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported Tuesday that the Jets “have gauged trade market” for the veteran. After missing much of training camp with a hamstring issue, Forte is now healthy, but as Pelissero noted, his $4 million guaranteed salary will be “very tough to move.”
It would be a shame if Forte’s final years were spent on such a lousy team. He was once one of the league’s preeminent dual-threat running backs — essentially he was David Johnson before David Johnson existed.
Last year, even playing behind a bad offensive line on a team that featured little in the way of a passing attack, Forte managed to rush for 813 yards and seven touchdowns. He also added another 263 yards and a touchdown on 30 receptions.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Forte has rushed for 9,415 yards and 52 touchdowns and has caught 517 passes for 4,379 yards and 20 touchdowns in his nine-year career.
While it’s true his best days are behind him, a competitive team in need of help at the running back position could do a lot worse than adding Forte.