Chicago Bears’ $15M Guaranteed Offer an Absolute Insult to Matt Forte
Published by Ryan Phillips on September 1, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is currently looking for a new contract, and the team has now offered him a deal. But the Bears’ offer falls well short of what Forte deserves.
The Bears have come forward and offered Forte a deal in the neighborhood of $15 million guaranteed, but the 25-year-old running back thinks he deserves more. While that is a lot of guaranteed money for a running back in the pass-happy NFL, I agree with him.
Since entering the NFL in 2008, Forte is fifth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage (4,731), trailing only Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Stephen Jackson.
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams’ recent deal with $21 million in guaranteed money has become the standard by which other deals at the position will be measured. Since 2008, Williams has 1,304 fewer yards from scrimmage than Forte. Based on those numbers, $15 million should be an insult to Forte.
While I’m not sure Forte deserves a deal equal to that of Williams, he certainly deserves that kind of consideration. He’s young, versatile, fits into the Bears’ offense perfectly and has the potential to be a consistent performer for years to come.
Forte could become a free agent in 2012, and the Bears would do well to just come to terms with him, even if it means opening up the checkbook a little more. When you find a consistent running back who fits your style of play, you might as well stay married to him as long as possible.
Also, to Forte’s credit, he hasn’t held out for a new deal, or sat on the sidelines and pouted. He reported to camp on time and has played in the preseason. He’s been a good soldier while his contract situation is being worked out. That should be considered by Chicago’s brass when making a decision on how much to offer him.
As stated previously, Forte is young and has performed well, the Bears should lock him up long-term, even if it takes more than $15 million to do so.
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