The Cowboys haven’t had a clear number one at running back and an injury to Lance Dunbar on Sunday night could force their hand. With only Joseph Randle and veteran Darren McFadden having any experience, rumors have started on a deal for Chicago Bears All Pro Matt Forte.
The 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract and the front office has already started making moves for the future. It’s becoming clear that trading away their top offensive play maker is a priority, especially if they can get plenty in return.
Football analyst Matt Miller has suggested Cowboys owner Jerry Jones makes a phone call and offers offensive lineman La’el Collins and a mid-round draft pick for the former second-round pick, a move that would help both franchises and finally bring all this speculation to rest.
Forte has 276 yards rushing and 13 receptions already this season, but with the Bears in rebuilding mode, losing his contract would free up some room under the salary cap and give the front office some additional draft picks to work with next spring.
The veteran has been terrific in his NFL career with nearly 8,000 yards on the ground and 42 touchdowns, but he’s also a pass catching threat, evident from his 452 receptions in his seven plus years in the league.
Dallas is in a win-now mentality — even with quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant out of the lineup — and adding a played like Forte would help an offense that needs a play maker and give this franchise a good chance to weather the storm and make a run at the playoffs this season.
