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Few runners have seen their value yo-yo more this offseason than Chicago rookie Matt Forte. He looked like a nice sleeper when the Bears drafted him in the second round of April's draft, and emerged as an all-but-certain starter when the team released incumbent Cedric Benson. Now his value could drop some with the Bears reportedly one of two front-runners to sign free agent Kevin Jones.
According to Tampa Tribune reporter Anwar S. Richardson, Jones' agent says Jones will sign with either the Bears or Steelers today. David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune says Jones will be in Chicago for a physical on Tuesday. Of the two teams, the Bears look like a much better fit for Jones, with the Steelers having a glut of running backs including Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, Gary Russell, and their own rookie, top pick Rashard Mendenhall. Apart from Forte, the Bears have just Adrian Peterson and second-year scatback Garrett Wolfe.
Jones tore his ACL in December, finishing the season on injured reserve for the second straight season; that led to his release from the Lions. It's doubtful he'll be 100 percent to start the season and might have a limited role regardless. When healthy, though, he's a far more talented player than either of Chicago's other runners, and would be more likely to take opportunities away from Forte.
Richardson's story in the Tampa Tribune can be found at this link, while Haugh's story in the Chicago Tribune can be read here.
EDIT: It's official: Jones is a Bear.
—Andy Richardson
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