Running back Matt Forte done in Chicago after eight seasons

By ANDREW SELIGMAN

AP Sports Writer

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) -- Matt Forte won't be returning to the Chicago Bears for a ninth season.

The two-time Pro Bowl running back announced on Instagram Friday morning that the team informed him this week it will not offer him a contract for next season. The team confirmed it, calling him one of the "all-time great Bears."

With news of this pending release, already the focus in New England has shifted to whether the Patriots would be interested in signing Forte.

Dion Lewis will return from ACL surgery. James White is a year older. Steven Jackson won't be part of the equation after a short stint in Foxboro to end the 2015 season.

Forte will be an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team beginning March 9.

Drafted in the second round by the Bears in 2008, Forte emerged as one of the most successful running backs in franchise history. But he is 30 years old and the team has a long list of needs following a six-win season.

Forte says his "only regret" is not winning a Super Bowl with Chicago.

Associated Press