Word that then-free agent Matt Forte was on his way to meet with the Patriots was the catalyst the Jets needed to sign the running back in March, ESPN.com reported.
After meeting with Forte on the first day of free agency last winter, the Jets dragged their feet on closing the deal, as concerns lingered about the former Bear’s knee. The Jets' lack of urgency made Forte anxious, and that evening he headed to the airport to board a New England-bound flight.
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That was all the Jets needed to hear, and the team put aside any worries about Forte’s health and signed him to a three-year, $12 million contract.
Earlier this week, Forte acknowledged the Patriots were prepared to make a bid for his services.
"My agent told me they called," Forte told NJ.com. "I asked if they talked about anything, and he said they just wanted me to come for a visit. I said I'm already here (with the Jets) about to sign, so, I didn't feel like that would be right."