Matt Forte's status headlines uncertainty in Jets' backfield

With free agency approaching (March 14), we're analyzing each position on the New York Jets' roster and examining possible upgrades:

Position: Running back

2018 cap hits of top returnees:

Pending free agents: None

Key stat: The running backs didn't get it done in crunch time in 2017, as the Jets finished 23rd in fourth-quarter rushing (3.2 yards per attempt). That's one of the reasons they struggled to hold leads.

Money matters: Powell and Forte are ranked 13th and 19th, respectively, in cap charges among running backs, according to ESPN Stats & Information. This means the Jets have too much money invested in the position, based on the production. Forte, 32, plagued by a chronic knee problem,…