Jets to sign ex-Bears RB Matt Forte

ByABC News
March 9, 2016, 3:51 PM

— -- Running back Matt Forte has agreed to a contract with the New York Jets, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Forte will replace Chris Ivory, who has agreed to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars

Forte will also be reunited with former Bears teammate Brandon Marshall.

Forte leads the NFL in all-purpose yards (12,718) since he entered the league in 2008, but the Bears informed the 30-year-old running back in February that they would not offer him a contract to return.

He played eight seasons in Chicago, where he ranks as the second-most-productive tailback in franchise history behind only Hall of Famer Walter Payton.

Despite missing three games in 2015 with an MCL sprain, Forte still rushed for a team-high 898 yards while catching 44 passes for 398 yards.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Forte caught 102 passes two years ago -- an NFL record for a running back.

The Bears selected Forte out of Tulane in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.

ESPN Bears reporter Jeff Dickerson contributed to this report.