Jets Sign Matt Forte

(photo credit: barstoolsports.com)

The New York Jets quickly found a replacement for Chis Ivory, as the Jets signed veteran running back Matt Forte. Just 24 hours after Ivory left for Jacksonville, the Jets quickly found a replacement in the form of Forte. The Green Bay Packers were said to be very interested in Forte but he landed in the Big Apple instead. The financial terms of Forte’s deal have not been released. Forte was released by the Chicago Bears in February.

Forte is an immediate upgrade over Ivory because of his pass catching ability. Forte also is great at reading the blitz which will help New York. He is 30 which historically is the year that running backs tend to slow down. Forte has not shown any signs of age when he isn’t hurt. Forte’s injury problems are a cause for concern as he has missed at least three games in the last three seasons.

The Jets love to utilize running backs in the passing game. Bilal Powell and Ivory combined for 77 catches last season. With Powell being a free agent and with Ivory departing, the signing of Forte was needed. Forte had 218 carries for 898 yards and four touchdowns last season. He also had 389 yards and four touchdowns through the air.

Since 2008, no one has accumulated more yards from scrimmage than Forte (12,718). Prior to his MCL injury, Forte accounted for 32% of the Bears offense. Forte stated that being on a contending team was much more important than getting a lot of money. The Jets fell just shy of qualifying for the playoffs last season. As one of the most productive pass catching running backs of the past decade, Forte will probably be the third weapon in the Jets aerial attack.