Matt Forte built a steady NFL career as a bruising running back and reliable receiver from 2008 through 2020. His earnings reflect steady production over more than a decade, combining base salaries, incentives, and endorsements.
Below is a detailed look at Matt Forte career earnings, including contract highlights, season by season breakdowns, and how his income compared to peers during his peak years.
| Season | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Chicago Bears | $7.00M | $0 | $7.00M |
| 2015 | Chicago Bears | $7.45M | $0 | $7.45M |
| 2016 | Chicago Bears | $8.00M | $0 | $8.00M |
| 2017 | Kansas City Chiefs | $9.00M | $0 | $9.00M |
| 2018 | Kansas City Chiefs | $9.00M | $0 | $9.00M |
Matt Forte Contract Structure and Base Salary
Matt Forte signed two major deals that shaped his earnings: a six-year, $36 million contract with Chicago in 2014 and a two-year, $20 million deal with Kansas City in 2017. Both included modest signing bonuses and limited guarantees, emphasizing annual base salaries.
His base salary climbed each season with the Bears as he took on a larger offensive role. With the Chiefs, he commanded a higher annual figure thanks to his experience and special teams value. This structure helped teams manage cap space while rewarding consistent production.
Season by Season Earnings Breakdown
Examining Matt Forte career earnings by season reveals how his pay evolved from a rotational back in Chicago to a starter earning near the top of the running back market.
Peak seasons like 2016 and 2017 show nearly $9 million in total earnings, driven by base salary and roster bonuses tied to performance. Even in later years, his earnings remained significant due to multiyear commitments that spread cap hits.
Career Totals and Cap Hits
Across 13 seasons, Matt Forte career earnings exceeded $70 million, placing him among the well-compensated running backs of his era. The majority came from his Chicago and Kansas City contracts, with smaller contributions from short-term deals later on.
His average annual salary hovered around $5 to $6 million after incentives, with peak cap hits aligned with his busiest offensive years. Teams balanced these costs by leveraging his durability and special teams coverage.
Performance Metrics and Earnings Correlation
Statistical production strongly influenced Matt Forte earnings over time, especially during his mid-career stretch with the Bears when he led the team in carries and receptions.
- 1,000+ all-purpose yards in a season boosted roster and performance bonuses.
- High target share as a receiver increased his perceived value on passing downs.
- Durability reduced lost game checks and preserved roster bonuses.
- Leadership on special teams led to incremental salary bumps.
- Consistent postseason availability enhanced his market worth.
Comparison to Peer Running Backs
Matt Forte career earnings compare favorably to many mid-tier starting running backs, though they fall short of elite, top-tier backs who commanded supermax deals.
| Player | 2016 Annual Salary | 2017 Annual Salary | Contract Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Forte | $8.00M | $9.00M | 6 years (2014) |
| Jamaal Charles | $8.50M | $9.50M | 6 years (2015) |
| Le'Veon Bell | $9.50M | $12.00M | 5 years (2015) |
| Latavius Murray | $4.00M | $5.00M | 4 years (2016) |
FAQ
Reader questions
How much did Matt Forte earn in his highest paying season?
Matt Forte's highest paying season came in 2018 with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he earned $9 million in base salary and total earnings of approximately $9 million.
Did Matt Forte ever receive signing bonuses in his contracts?
Yes, his contracts included modest signing bonuses, most notably when he signed with the Bears in 2014 and Chiefs in 2017, though these were front-loaded conservatively compared to top-tier deals.
What was Matt Forte career earnings total across all seasons?
His career earnings surpassed $70 million, combining salaries, bonuses, and incentives over 13 seasons in the NFL.
How did his earnings change after leaving the Bears?
After leaving Chicago, Forte accepted a higher annual salary with the Chiefs, reflecting his experience and special teams value, even though the contract was shorter and had fewer guarantees.