Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. The Lions won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Free Agency starts in less than one month and one prediction has Matt Forte not returning to the Chicago Bears.

The NFL Free Agency period begins on March 9 and the Chicago Bears have questions surrounding two of their biggest players. Both running back Matt Forte and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery are set to become free agents on March 9. Jeffery is expected to return to the Bears but uncertainty defines Forte’s future with the Bears.

In his off-season prediction for the Chicago Bears, ESPN Chicago reporter Jeff Dickerson predicted that Forte would not return to the Bears.

The Bears will not re-sign Matt Forte. The running back is on record saying the Bears have not approached him about a new deal since the end of the 2015 season. This development comes on the heels of the club rebuffing Forte’s request for an extension last offseason when general manager Ryan Pace replaced Phil Emery. Forte has said repeatedly he wants to finish his career in Chicago, but with second-year tailback Jeremy Langford poised to permanently crack the starting lineup in 2016, the Bears are not interested in overpaying to keep Forte, who turns 31 next December. Forte’s best bet is to probably sign someplace else. The Bears are unlikely to stand in his way.

It will be interesting to follow Forte’s market this off-season. Typically, NFL teams are hesitant to hand out big pay days to running backs over the age of 30. Forte turned 30 last December. But, up to this point, Forte has not regressed like the typical running back. During the 2015 season, Forte proved that he was still a dual-threat running back as he totaled 898 rushing yards and 389 receiving yards.

Forte wants to return to the Bears but it remains unclear whether or not the team wants the veteran running back to return. Considering the emergence of Jeremy Langford, the Bears are not in a position where they should feel forced to overpay to bring Forte back. Having said that, a successful NFL offense has two productive running backs. If Forte is willing to take a discount to remain with the Bears, then chances are he will return in 2016. But if Forte is seeking top dollar for his services, then he has played his last game in a Bears’ uniform.

Should Matt Forte return to the Chicago Bears in 2016? Sound off in the comments section with your thoughts.