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Matt Forte, the second-most productive running back in franchise history and a front-line fantasy-football mainstay, took to social media Friday to confirm that he'll no longer be a member of the Chicago Bears.

"Despite my wishes, my days as a member of the Chicago Bears have sadly come to an end," Forte said in an Instagram post (via ESPN.com). "I was informed earlier this week from the GM that they will not be attempting to re-sign me in free agency.

"I will remain forever grateful for my time spent in Chicago and being able to play for an organization with such a rich history. My only regret is not being able to win a Lombardi trophy for the best fans in all of sports. I'm excited about the next chapter of my NFL career. But, Chicago will always be home."

Drafted in the second round out of Tulane in 2008, Forte has been one of the top dual-threat running backs in the NFL the past eight seasons. He compiled 8,602 rushing yards and 4,116 receiving yards. Forte missed three games in 2015 due to injury. The injuries led to a career-low 898 rushing yards, but he still averaged 4.1 yards per carry.

Still, the news comes as no real surprise.

He earned a base salary of $7.050 million with the Bears last season and general manager Ryan Pace had turned down Forte's request for an extension last offseason and appears ready to give a larger role in the offense to Jeremy Langford, who rushed for 537 yards and six TDs in 2015.

And there's ample reason to believe he the second-year man to be can make some hay if given a featured role.

As ESPN.com's Jeff Dickerson reminded readers, Langford is one of three Bears running backs to finish a game with at least 100 yards receiving, one receiving touchdown and one rushing touchdown. The other two are Hall of Famers Walter Payton and Gale Sayers.

Langford’s 83-yard receiving touchdown inside the Edward Jones Dome was the fourth-longest reception by a running back in franchise history -- Forte holds the record with an 89-yard catch against the Lions in 2010.

Langford also became just the third rookie in NFL history with at least 70 rushing yards, one touchdown run, 100 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in the same game when he accomplished that feat in St. Louis.

In addition, NFL.com's Kevin Patra expects the Bears to also utilize Ka'Deem Carey in short yardage and goal-line situations.

So, as Profootballtalk.com's Darin Gantt suggested, "While Forte has hit the magic number for running backs (he turned 30 in December), he’s remained productive, and his blend of running and receiving ability ought to make him an attractive target in free agency."