What type of trade value would Matt Forte receive?

The Browns have been hit by a rash of injuries at the running back position. Most polls project the Bears well below .500. Matt Forte is at a point of his career that he has value but could have a brighter future on another team. What type of value could the Bears receive if they made Forte available? If Forte stays, does he hold market value to the Bears regarding new contract negotiations? Bottom line: Is his value highest now? — Gary, Downers Grove

For the same reasons the Bears would be hesitant to extend the contract of Forte prior to this season, another team would be hesitant to give up much in return. I don’t think anyone is going to make an offer that general manager Ryan Pace would strongly consider.

You have to remember that Forte is under contract for $7.05 million in base salary this season and that would be a problem for a lot of teams to fit into their cap. The Browns are one team operating with plenty of cap room at this point, but how good are they going to be this season? The same point you make about the Bears being below .500 might apply to Cleveland, right?

I think Forte’s effort will make a big difference for offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who I believe will be more committed to the run this season than he ever was in Denver. The Bears need a strong running game to take pressure off quarterback Jay Cutler and the defense. Forte is turning 30 and the market for running backs at that age simply isn’t strong. Unless a competing team with a lot of cap space develops a critical need, I’d be mighty surprised if anything pops up in terms of a trade for Forte.

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