Forte to the Pats trade rumor

**janos_51** · 03-29-2012, 01:33 AM

Anyone hearing this rumor?

Is it fluff or is there any substance?

just curious if you guys have heard anything other than the rumor posted in the Bears forum.

Supposedly for a 2 and 4, with the Bears asking for another "higher pick" next year.

Could be why the Pats are doing all this restructuring...

**Marley** · 03-29-2012, 02:11 AM

Can he play safety or rush the passer?

**AlexPKeaton** · 03-29-2012, 03:13 AM

Why would they spend all that money on a RB?
NESN was saying that it's a 2nd and future 6th round pick. They're also saying it's very, very unlikely.

http://www.nesn.com/2012/03/matt-for...-unnecess.html
No thanks.

**ItIsWhatItIs** · 03-29-2012, 03:34 AM

Given how furious metrix has gotten over all the picks on TEs, I think his head would explode if we traded picks to get a running back after drafting two last year in Vereen/Ridley.

**BradyJustWins** · 03-29-2012, 10:31 AM

6 weeks ago I was the lone voice calling for a move like this. I guess I probably will still be.

IMO a RB like Forte makes it a complete offense. Despite the offensive stats, it was a fairly one dimensional offense. The OK running stats were a product of a heavy passing attack and how the defense defended them. Teams could easily key on the RB based on who was in the game. They were a very skill specific group.

A complete RB like Forte makes defenses cover everything. He's a HR hitter and is one of the better pass catching RBs. Last years group with the addition of Forte protentially breaks records.

Adding him for a 2nd plus more, does not stop the Pats from upgrading the defense. Fact is it's an offensive league and they can greatly improve by having an offense that is harder to stall in key spots because defenses have to respect the RB... running and catching out of the backfield.

#1 offense and 15th or so ranked defense is back in the SB, IMO.

Yes I know, I'm alone here. It's not about absolute need. It's about an absolute upgrade that makes the offense impossible to stop.

PS Ridley is my short yardage/goal-line back in this scenario.

**BradyJustWins** · 03-29-2012, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by ItIsWhatItIs

Given how furious metrix has gotten over all the picks on TEs, I think his head would explode if we traded picks to get a running back after drafting two last year in Vereen/Ridley.

As if I didn't already have reason to root for this to happen.

**TheSeyMonsta** · 03-29-2012, 11:43 AM

Hopefully its just an internet rumor...

Wasting a second round pick on something we already have on the roster is just not necessary...

The 31st rank defense needs some help...

**ItIsWhatItIs** · 03-29-2012, 11:47 AM

Spending money on RBs is the dumbest thing you can do in the NFL, so I'd be vehemently against this if it were a move in FA. To TRADE for a RB is even more nuts. I'm not sure where the home run hitter stuff is coming from, but Forte does not have elite wheels like a Jamaal Charles or a Chris Johnson or even an Arian Foster.

**Don_the_patfan** · 03-29-2012, 01:40 PM

I dont think this is realistic guys. I mean come on it's overkill. With Ridley and Vereen I don't think the pats would make a move like this. It would take a 2nd round pick and a contract that Forte has been waiting for forever and wants to make sure will take care of him because it will be his last big $. Now does that sound like a move we would make? It's a dream.

With that said I am not against it. Why would anyone be? An addition like Forte would make this Offense just plain deadly. Pick your poison and defenses would have to pray to stop that Pats offense. I mean think about it:

1.Lloyd,Welker,Gronk,Hernandez, Forte
2. Lloyd,Welker,Gronk,Stallworth,Forte

You got your vertical game (Lloyd,Stallworth), and your short passing game( Welker,Gronk,Hernandez), and a running/passing threat (Forte) and that's on every single play good luck stopping it.

Bottom line: With Ridley, Vereen, and addition of 2 fullbacks I think the pats have made it known they are all set. Way too many assets spent to go ahead and spend more assets to get a player who will demand major coin. Not to mention we may have a very good player in Vereen or Ridley. I don't think this move is realistic( overkill) although I would love it.

**TheSeyMonsta** · 03-29-2012, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by ItIsWhatItIs

I'm not sure where the home run hitter stuff is coming from, but Forte does not have elite wheels like a Jamaal Charles or a Chris Johnson or even an Arian Foster.

This...^^^^He does not have elite wheels...

**hendersonsplow** · 03-29-2012, 02:29 PM

With that said I am not against it. Why would anyone be?

I think you answered your own question. Forte is looking for big guaranteed money. The Pats have already invested in the position. They have more pressing needs.

Those resources would be better spent elsewhere.

Adding Forte for a 2nd plus more does not mean they can't upgrade the D with the draft. But giving him the contract he's looking for limits their options in FA and re-signing guys the next few years. Not just on D but elsewhere as Gronk, Hernandez and the WR core will need to be re-signed or replaced in the next 2 years.

**Underdog** · 03-29-2012, 03:12 PM

Nice player, but he's looking for Chris Johnson money and he wouldn't be worth that even if were a UFA never mind having to pay twice with a pick or picks. They weren't willing to go 3 years and $9MM to keep Law Firm, but now they're going to give $50MM and draft picks for Forte? Just don't see it. At this point I think they have to give the young guys a chance to sink or swim.

I actually might consider it if he were willing to just sign the FT and play out the year...go all-in for next year and then let him walk and turn it over to Ridley and Vereen after that...I'd gladly trade a late 2nd for a SB win...but after his injury last year I don't see that happening.

**Don_the_patfan** · 03-29-2012, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by hendersonsplow

I think you answered your own question. Forte is looking for big guaranteed money. The Pats have already invested in the position. They have more pressing needs.

Those resources would be better spent elsewhere.

Adding Forte for a 2nd plus more does not mean they can't upgrade the D with the draft. But giving him the contract he's looking for limits their options in FA and re-signing guys the next few years. Not just on D but elsewhere as Gronk, Hernandez and the WR core will need to be re-signed or replaced in the next 2 years.

Agreed. I guess what I was trying to say was I don't think we need to make this move but if it does happen which i very highly doubt I wouldn't really be upset.

P.S. The cap space we have (what is it now 11mill) I would spend locking up Gronk today. And I think that is the goal.