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NY Jets: Team acquires Matt Forte via free agency

By Luis Tirado Jr.

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NY Jets have officially acquired running back Matt Forte via free agency as they now have a premier running back in their backfield.

Since running back Chris Ivory is now headed to Jacksonville to play with the Jaguars, the Jets knew they had to secure a top running back to fill the void he will leave. It didn’t take long but the Jets acted quickly in free agency and acquired Forte to bolster their running back corps.

Related Story: Jets setting sights on Nick Fairley in free agency

After spending eight seasons with the Chicago Bears and with many feeling he’s past his prime, Forte will now get to start the next exciting chapter of his career in the big apple. His unique skill-set and ability to be a dual-threat option on the Jets’ offense is going to be very exciting to watch in 2016.

Here’s the official tweet by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Forte signing with Gang Green:

Matt Forte is signing with the NY Jets, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016

If healthy, Forte could end up being quite the finesse kind of running back the Jets need to continue having their offensive clicking on all cylinders. As their overall team looks to be very different come next season due to free agency and the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft, the Jets can no doubt build around Forte and return to their roots of being a ground-and-pound kind of football team again.

Forte will get to reunite with former teammate wide receiver Brandon Marshall as the two will no doubt enjoy rekindling their past memories and bring their respective talents together on the Jets’ offense. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey will also be able to cater to his strengths and provided he’s healthy, could turn Forte into quite the offensive weapon against opponents.

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As per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News via Twitter, Forte’s deal with the Jets is for three years/$8M guaranteed with $4M in escalators. In his career, Forte has totaled 8,602 rushing yards on 2,035 rushes for 45 touchdowns. Forte also doubles up as a great receiving option as in his career, he totaled 4,116 receiving yards on 487 receptions for 19 touchdowns. Expect to see the Jets’ offense using him as a blueprint for much of their game-planning come next season.

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