Bears Blitz

Published by Tyler Moore on April 16, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The first day of voluntary team workouts are today, and Chicago Bears pro bowl running back, Matt Forte, won’t be in attendance due to the fact that he wants a new contract. 

New general manager, Phil Emery, has done a terrific job this offseason of filling the holes on the roster, but has yet to make his running back happy. 

Emery placed the franchise tag on Matt Forte earlier this offseason, and Forte has expressed his displeasure ever since. It is plain and simple; the Chicago Bears must resign Matt Forte to a long-term deal if they want to avoid a hold out. 

Forte has been a huge part of the Bears offense the last few seasons, and will continue to be so if he is still on this roster.

He led all Bear players last year in catches last season with 52, which is incredibly high for a running back, and Forte missed the final three weeks of the season due to a knee injury. 

Forte also led the Chicago Bear offense in rushing yards, and was three yards shy of 1,000.  Forte is just entering his prime, and at age 26 he should not be slowing down any time soon.  

Some people argue that a guy like Matt Forte is replaceable, and some even say that Emery should trade him on draft day if they don’t come to an agreement. 

He is far from replaceable; he is one of the top running backs in the league, and he has done everything the Chicago Bears have asked from him thus far. He has stayed out of the spotlight for the most part, until recently when he’s demanded a new contract.

Matt Forte needs to be paid. This offseason, the Houston Texans gave their franchise running back a new contract, signing him to a five-year deal worth up to 43.5 million dollars, 20 million of which was guaranteed.

The Seattle Seahawks have also given their running back, Marshawn Lynch, a new contract earlier this offseason, as he was given a four-year deal worth up to 31 million dollars; only 18 of that 31 million was guaranteed. 

Lynch had a breakout year last year, rushing for over 1200 yards, and he also added 12 touchdowns. Both he and Foster had similar contracts, and if the Bears were wise they would do the same with Forte.

Forte had very close statistical numbers with both Foster and Lynch this pat season. Forte was on pace for 1300 yards before he went down with his knee injury.

All three running backs are around the same age. Point being, the Bears need to give Matt Forte the money that he has deserved. The Bears need to start showing Forte some respect, as he has done nothing but great things here in Chicago.

Bottom line, the Chicago Bears need Matt Forte more than they know it, and they need to come to a contract agreement sooner, rather than later. 

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