Matt Forte wants to stay with the Bears in part due to Jay Cutler

Whether it’s teammates or coaches, Jay Cutler has been blamed for chasing plenty of people out of Chicago. However, if the Bears keep one of their best players this offseason, it will be partially because of their quarterback.

On Friday, Matt Forte spoke to both CBS Sports and NFL Network about his future. Forte said his biggest concern is reaching the Super Bowl. But, if it were up to him, he would already be back in Chicago.

Forte was asked repeatedly why he would want to return to the Bears. The former Pro Bowl running back cited a number of reasons including the history of great running backs with the Bears, his desire to stay with one team throughout his entire career and his belief in the direction John Fox has the team headed.

When asked directly about Cutler’s role in his decision, Forte spoke highly of the Bears quarterback.

With continued turnover in just about every spot for the Bears, Cutler and Forte have been two of the only spots of consistency. Only Robbie Gould has been with the team longer than the two offensive stars.

After the Bears final game this season, both Cutler and Forte were very complimentary of each other. Forte said he wanted to give Cutler a hug because of what the two have gone through and Cutler called Forte an “unbelievable friend.”