Odds on where Matt Forte will move after leaving Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears told Matt Forte they will be moving on from the eight-year veteran who is set to hit free agency next month. He may be 30 with more than 2,500 touches on his tires - both bright red flags for running backs - but Forte will have plenty of suitors for his versatile skill-set, and Bears fans may cringe watching him suit up for one of several potential contenders who could see him as a missing piece of their contender.

The top 11 contenders to add Forte to their 2016 backfield:

11. Buffalo Bills: This would appear an odd fit considering the Bills led the league with an average of 152.0 rushing yards per game under first-year coach Rex Ryan in 2015. But LeSean McCoy's status is uncertain following an off-field incident in which he allegedly assaulted off-duty police officers and rookie Karlos Williams struggled to stay on the field. Ryan's ground-and-pound approach will need a dependable option if McCoy is out an extended time.

Odds of signing: 15-1.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs finished fifth in the league at 135.1 rushing yards per game behind the resurgent Doug Martin, who rushed for 1,401 yards on 4.9 yards per carry. He's poised for a big pay day in free agency, and if that check doesn't come from the Glazers, the Bucs need to find a suitable back to pair with quarterback Jameis Winston.

Odds of signing: 12-1

9. Tennessee Titans: It's a longshot Forte wants to wind down his excellent career with a 3-13 team with significant holes to fill before being competitive again. But they do have an emerging star in quarterback Marcus Mariota and a significant need for a veteran running back who can pick up blitzes and serve as a security blanket on third down. If a team like the Titans is willing to offer a multi-year deal, it might just pique his interest.

Odds of signing: 10-1

8. Miami Dolphins: They are coming off a 6-10 season and going through a coaching change, but the Dolphins have several good pieces in place. Starting back Lamar Miller is an unrestricted free agent and the Dolphins could see Forte as an excellent outlet for inconsistent QB Ryan Tannehill. And Forte could see South Beach as an excellent destination to prolong his career. One of Miller's weaknesses is getting a push in short-yardage, which was also an issue for Forte in Chicago in recent years.

Odds of signing: 9-1

7. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts got 967 yards out of Frank Gore in 2015, but he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry. That was in part due to playing behind a porous offensive line, but Gore will also turn 33 in May and hasn't averaged more than 4.3 yards per carry since 2012.

Odds of signing: 8-1

6. Detroit Lions: Forte is uber-competitive and may relish the opportunity to play the Bears twice a season. The Lions finished last in the NFL in rushing last season, are in desperate need of a lead back and could be losing top playmaker wide receiver Calvin Johnson to retirement.

Odds of signing: 7-1

5. New Orleans Saints: Forte played at Tulane and would fit nicely in the Saints' offense. New Orleans does have Mark Ingram in his prime, but he has been prone to bumps and bruises and coach Sean Payton typically likes to have two or three viable backs to rotate.

Odds of signing: 6-1

4. Denver Broncos: There's nothing like the allure of a reigning Super Bowl champion for a veteran who has tasted the playoffs just one time in his career. C.J. Anderson is a restricted free agent and Ronnie Hillman is set to be an unrestricted free agent. Whether it's Brock Osweiler or someone else lining up under center next season, team president John Elway will have a strong pitch to make if he has a hole to fill in the backfield - and can find the salary cap space to make it work.

Odds of signing: 5-1

3. New York Jets: On the outside looking in at the playoffs at 10-6 last season, the Jets are a run-first team that may lose bruising back Chris Ivory to free agency. Bilal Powell and Stevan Ridley are also free agents. A playoff-caliber team with a journeyman quarterback who could use a versatile veteran in the backfield? Checks off a lot of boxes.

Odds of signing: 4-1

2. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys got a 1,000-yard season out of Darren McFadden in 2015, but he'll be an old 29 come August. Dallas may opt to complement McFadden with fresh legs in the draft, but Forte would provide a more immediate return for owner Jerry Jones, who believes a healthy roster is still capable of a Super Bowl run.

Odds of signing: 2-1

1. New England Patriots: We've seen this script play out before - a long-time veteran buying fully into the Bill Belichick system for a one- or two-year run at that elusive ring. Forte has praised the Patriots' system in the past. And with LeGarrette Blount a free agent and Dion Lewis coming off knee surgery, he could be the perfect plug-and-play option for an offense that thrives on versatility and springing unpredictable game plans.

Odds of signing: Even money