Breaking Chicago Bears News: Matt Forte Optimistic on Contract Talks
Published by Brett Solesky on June 22, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
After a spring and summer full of seemingly never-ending disheartening news in the Matt Forte contract saga, a bit of positive news emerged today.
Running back Matt Forte spoke briefly at the EA Sports pigskin Pro Am flag football tournament, and even talked about his ongoing contract negotiations (per the Chicago Sun Times).
“Last year we were worlds apart, but it’s gotten better,” said Forte on Friday at the EA Madden 2013 Pigskin Pro-Am in Chicago.
This small quote may seem insignificant but after a summer, season and spring full of negative news it’s the first sign of thawing between the two parties.
Everything from Forte’s camp to this point has been negative regarding contract negotiations. Forte has taken twice taken to twitter to voice his displeasure.
Once after the Michael Bush signing Forte stated:
“”There’s only so many times a man that has done everything he’s been asked to do can be disrespected! Guess the GOOD GUYS do finish last….,”
Then when news was reported that the Bears were nervous about a long term signing due to Forte’s knee injury history and the possibility of arthritis setting
On his Twitter account, Forte also shared a video and stated, “100Lbs sled up hill, i think my knee will be ok.”
Forte is said to be seeking a deal worth over $8.5 million annually, which could be a bit more of a fair market deal than the Bears are willing to give (per Rotoworld).
Still, there was talk that the Bears and Forte were no longer even negotiating, and the fact that they are still in talks is a positive sign.
Earlier I wrote about what a contract offer to Matt Forte from the Bears should look like and how it should be structured.
Hopefully, the positive momentum Forte expressed today can be ridden all the way to the finish line and get Forte the long-term deal he seeks.
The Bears have until July 16th to sign Forte to a long-term contract extension, otherwise Forte plays under the franchise tag deal and negotiations will start again following the 2012 season.
Brett Solesky is editor and publisher of MidwayIllustrated.com a Chicago Bears blog. For more articles about the Bears, including a weekly podcast featuring weekly player interviews and other in-depth information visit my blog.
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