Packers Reportedly "Express Interest" In Free Agent Running Back Matt Forte
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Packers have shown at least some level of interest in the soon-to-be former Bear.
By PackerAaron
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter:
Packers expressing interest in Bears free-agent RB Matt Forte, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2016
Now, before anyone gets too excited, "expressing interest" could mean anything from talking actual numbers to a casual phone call letting Forte's people know that if they don't like what they find initially in free agency, Green Bay is always available as a place to continue a career.
That said, Schefter's report coupled with a previous reports stating that Julius Peppers is trying to "recruit" Forte in Green Bay, and things are getting intriguing on the Forte front.
The veteran running back is coming off a season that saw him miss three weeks with a sprained MCL. Despite the injury and his advanced years, he could still be a very good compliment to Eddie Lacy in the Packers backfield, especially in the passing game.
Signing Forte would most likely spell the end of James Starks' time in Green Bay. Starks is set to become a free agent when the new league year begins tomorrow.
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Comments (24)
RCPackerFan
March 08, 2016 at 02:03 pm
This time of year, who knows what is true and what isn't.
That being said, IF Green Bay were to sign Forte I think it would be a good fit for Green Bays offense. Forte is a complete RB who has racked up miles but wouldn't be asked to shoulder the load in Green Bay with Lacy there.
Another added bonus by adding Forte could be the added motivation for Lacy. Lacy seems to be motivated to lose weight, but adding a pro bowl caliber player adds more competition to the position.
I think this would be a good signing if they do end up signing Forte.
L
March 08, 2016 at 07:19 pm
I'd love this signing as long as it's at a reasonable cost and if he's brought on board I hope we see a lot more offensive schemes to screen the ball to our RBs as it also helps create a little hesitation in opposing pass rushes.
Evan
March 08, 2016 at 02:19 pm
While I've always loved Forte...if TT is going to dip into free agency, I'd much rather it be for a TE or ILB. But, ultimately, if Forte does come, I won't complain.
Evan
March 08, 2016 at 02:23 pm
Somewhat off-topic - but in reference to this news Nagler tweeted about how agents use TT's reported "interest" as leverage. We heard it all the time last year in regards Jermaine Gresham...and it doesn't make any sense to me.
TT is notoriously hesitate to dip into free agency and will never overpay or get into a bidding war - so how does that work into an agent's favor?
"You better pay up, Ted Thompson is interested!"
Wouldn't that just be met with a laugh?
RCPackerFan
March 08, 2016 at 03:12 pm
Yeah, i really don't get that part either. In the last 5 years how many Free agents have the Packers signed? 5? Not like its the Jaguars or Raiders who routinely bring in 5 guys each year. Or other wheeling and dealing teams.
PackerAaron
March 08, 2016 at 03:41 pm
Interest is interest. I'm not saying Ted's being used as a boogeyman, as you guys seem to be suggesting here. But there's a long list of guys the last few years, Gresham, Swearinger, Owen Daniels, Steven Jackson - who the Packers had interest in and who ended up signing elsewhere.
Ted isn't bringing these guys in on a lark. He (or more likely one of the personnel guys on his staff) is genuinely interested. Agents use that genuine interest when talking to other teams. No big mystery.
Evan
March 08, 2016 at 03:49 pm
Interest is interest, sure. But if the agent's goal is to get a better deal for his client, I don't see how ginning up interest from a notorious bargain shopper helps.
Let's say I'm selling a car. I'm looking to get $10,000. A guy comes in, checks it out, and offers me $7,000. I say, "I don't know, I think it's worth more. You know that homeless guy over there is also interested..." I don't see how that helps me in the negotiation.
That's how I see TT and free agency. ha
PackerAaron
March 08, 2016 at 03:49 pm
A player having options always helps the player.
Amanofthenorth
March 08, 2016 at 06:55 pm
You may see him as homeless. The other teams know him for who he is, Jed Clampett the multi billionaire by now.
RCPackerFan
March 09, 2016 at 10:50 am
Yeah, i guess this could be similar to Chad Clifton's agent years ago that had Chad get on a flight and stay in a hotel room in Washington if I remember right to get Green Bay to up their ante...
Another way to look at it too I guess is if other teams find out Green Bay is interested in a player, they maybe more inclined to go after that player since Green Bay is a well ran organization and don't go after players that really aren't worth it.
marpag1
March 08, 2016 at 04:03 pm
1) TT gave up something like 30 million to sign Julius Peppers two years ago. While it is true that TT doesn't sign very many UFAs, teams do need to take his "interest" seriously.
2) Agents of running backs will take whatever sort of leverage they can get, especially in this VERY depressed running back market. Which NFL team is going to break the bank for a back? And the number is even less now that the free-wheeling, big-spending (dare I say, stupid) Titans have inexplicably laid out pretty good coin for DeMarco Murray.
It's never too early to curb your enthusiasm when it comes to the Packers and free agency, but if the Packers are serious about a two or three year flyer on Forte, I don't think it's unreasonable that they might get him, and at a relatively sane price. There just isn't a lot of competition to sign these guys.
Mojo
March 08, 2016 at 04:20 pm
I was going to say something similar to what marpag said. Sure it's true if Ted has marginal interest he won't pay a lot, but if he does, he's more than generous. I think he overpays too many times, especially on retaining his own but that's another topic.
As far as Forte, always liked what he did for Chicago, but I agree with those who'd prefer Ted spend it elsewhere. The Packers have a good amount of cap-room but it's not infinite. Obviously Starks will be gone, but what does this say about a rejuvenated Lacy? Do they split time evenly? I don't know, Forte is a good player but i'm not thrilled about this. The only way I can justify it is if they originally planned on retaining Starks, but then opted for Forte. Then the only real cost is the incremental dollars (if any) over what they would have paid Starks.
Oppy
March 08, 2016 at 05:15 pm
Forte brings unparalleled discipline and work ethic to the Packers RB room.
Right now, Lacy is returning from a season where it seems from the outside looking in work ethic, or at least, preparation, wasn't where the Packers would have liked it to be.
Starks is possibly gone.
That leaves the RB's without strong leadership and an example to mold themselves around. Well, I jguess there's Kuhn, but his position is a little bit different.
RVAborn
March 08, 2016 at 03:20 pm
As much as this would enhance our backfield, the fact the word is out (most likely) means it won't come to fruition. Looks like a leverage move to me. Just to dream though: Forte and Lacy combined with a credible TE threat would be something to watch. Then bulk up the front 7 through the draft, and that is a scary team. Of course it's just wishful thinking. I'm sure the Carribbean itinerary is already set for the next few weeks lol. Atleast the cap will remain intact.
Evan
March 08, 2016 at 03:41 pm
See: that leverage nonsense again.
Icebowler
March 08, 2016 at 04:09 pm
I think Stark's late season fumbling might have something to do with this.
Mags
March 08, 2016 at 04:36 pm
I would be very surprised if the Packers signed him. Ted probably letting him know if he is willing to sign for vet minimum something could get done.
Irish_Cheesehead
March 09, 2016 at 10:48 am
He won't sign for vet minimum.
holmesmd
March 09, 2016 at 07:26 am
http://beargoggleson.com/2016/03/08/green-bay-packers-hone-interest-on-m...
http://beargoggleson.com/2016/03/08/report-danny-trevathan-to-sign-with-...
:(
Doug_In_Sandpoint
March 09, 2016 at 10:11 am
I clicked on the link not understanding where I was heading. Must go shower...I feel dirty.
L
March 09, 2016 at 03:06 pm
He signed with the Jets; DAMN!
al bundy
March 09, 2016 at 03:20 pm
Apparently interested in him, again were talking tight ass ted, for nothing. Forte went to the Jets. One would have thought he would yern to be a packer to get even with Chicago so that just shows how low Teds offer must have been.
Irish_Cheesehead
March 09, 2016 at 05:09 pm
The Jets? Guess all Forte's talk about just wanting to go to a contender was BS.
holmesmd
March 10, 2016 at 11:33 am
We lost out on this guy to a 3 yr deal worth 12 million with 8 guaranteed? WTH? He must either hate the Packers or wasn't ok with the role they had planned? Pretty disappointing but I'm glad he's in the AFC. They better get Starks done pretty quickly or they'll lose him as well.