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Forte and Bears will part ways

FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2015, file photo, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) rushes against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game in Chicago. Forte, a two-time Pro Bowl running back announced on Instagram Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, morning that the team informed him this week it will not offer him a contract for next season.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — 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 Bears confirmed it, with general manager Ryan Pace calling him one of the “all-time great Bears.”

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, he 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 after finishing last in the NFC North at 6-10.

Despite the losing record, the Bears believe they took a big step forward in their first season under Pace and coach John Fox. Forte had expressed a desire to re-sign, but the team is moving on without him.

“I will remain forever grateful for my time spent in Chicago and being able to play for an organization with such a rich history,” Forte wrote. “My only regret is not being able to win a Lombardi trophy for the best fans in all of sports. I’m excited about the next chapter of my NFL career. But, Chicago will always be home. God Bless and Bear Down!”

It has already been a rather busy offseason for the Bears, with offensive coordinator Adam Gase taking the Miami head coaching job and Dowell Loggains being promoted from quarterbacks coach to replace him. The club has plenty of work ahead considering about one-third of the roster had expiring contracts, with Forte and No. 1 receiver Alshon Jeffery topping the list.

Forte ranks second in franchise history to Hall of Famer Walter Payton in yards rushing (8,602), receptions (487), yards from scrimmage (12,718), 100-yard rushing games (24) and games with 150 yards or more from scrimmage (25). His 64 touchdowns (45 rushing, 19 receiving) rank third behind Payton and Neal Anderson.

In 2014, Forte set the NFL’s single-season record for receptions by a running back with 102.

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