NFL Rumors: Will Matt Forte, Chicago Bears Get a Deal Done?
Published by Ryan Phillips on March 2, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears and running back Matt Forte failed to reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension during the 2011 regular season. That means the Tulane product will be a free man when free agency opens on March 13.
Forte’s representatives reportedly had contract negotiations with the Bears at last week’s Scouting Combine, but it doesn’t appear that a deal is imminent. That could force Chicago to use the franchise tag on the 26-year-old back just to ensure he doesn’t slip away on the open market.
The fact that the two sides are talking is a positive, but you can bet the Bears don’t want to waste the tag on Forte if they’re sure he’ll be back. They have until Monday to get something done, that’s the final day teams can place the franchise tag on players.
Tagging Forte will put his salary at $7.7 million next season and if the Bears are willing to pay that much, they might as well just sign him to a contract in that range. After all, he gained 1,487 yards from scrimmage in just 12 games in 2011 (he missed four due to injury) and was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
Everyone expects Forte to be back in Chicago, since both sides seem intent on getting a deal done. That means they shouldn’t waste time on locking him up, since they have a ton of needs that must be addressed through free agency.
The Bears are going to have to pay to keep Forte in town, they might as well bite the bullet and just get a deal done as soon as possible, while avoiding the use of the franchise tag if possible.
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