Bears will not bring back Matt Forte next season

After eight years, more than 12,000 yards, 64 touchdowns and two Pro Bowls, Matt Forte and the Chicago Bears are going their separate ways.

The second-leading rusher in franchise history announced Friday on Instagram that the Bears have decided not to offer him a contract as a free agent.

“Despite my wishes, my days as a member of the Chicago Bears have sadly come to an end,” wrote Forte, who has only been to the playoffs one time (2010).

“I will remain forever grateful for my time spent in Chicago and being able to play for an organization with such a rich history. 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.”

The Bears later released a statement confirming the news.

Since being picked by the Bears in the second round of the 2008 draft, Forte has rushed for 8,602 yards, second in team history to Walter Payton, and 45 touchdowns. He also caught 487 passes for 4,116 yards and 19 touchdowns. His 12,718 yards from scrimmage is the most in the NFL during that period.

Forte, 30, missed three games last season with a sprained medial collateral ligament and finished with 898 yards rushing and 389 yards receiving, both career lows. He had four touchdowns on the ground and three more in the air.

“These decisions are never easy, especially given what Matt has meant to our team and community,” General Manager Ryan Pace said in the statement. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for him. Matt is one of the all-time great Bears and did an excellent job for us on and off the field last season. He was a tremendous teammate. We thank him for his professionalism and wish him the very best as he continues his career.”