Bears Blitz

Published by Ryan Phillips on June 11, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler probably just should have kept his mouth shut when asked about Matt Forte’s holdout. Instead the Chicago Bears quarterback claimed he thought Forte would sign his franchise tender and be in training camp. Those comments won’t help ease the tension between the running back and the Bears and could even make things worse. 

Forte has been jerked around by the Bears on a long-term extension for the better part of a year. Last season he didn’t complain; in fact he suited up and played despite ongoing negotiations. The two sides have yet to work out an agreement and Chicago slapped the $7.7 million franchise tag on Forte this offseason. 

The 26-year-old Forte was having a career year when an MCL sprain put him out of the final four games of the 2011 season. He rushed for 997 yards and three touchdowns on just 203 carries (4.9 yards per carry), while also catching 52 passes for 490 yards and a score. Despite only playing 12 games he reached his first Pro Bowl. 

Cutler should be begging the Bears to give Forte a contract extension since the Tulane product is the team’s most consistent offensive player. The quarterback shouldn’t be going on local radio shows claiming he thinks the back will be in camp no matter what. 

Forte has been steadfast that he wants a long-term contract and, frankly, he has earned it. But for some reason the Bears have not been willing to come to some kind of agreement with him. Forte has openly said he doesn’t want to be the league’s highest paid running back, he just wants to be fairly compensated. 

Unfortunately, Cutler decided to go on the air and essentially claim that the running back’s holdout wasn’t a big deal and that he was sure he would sign his tender and be in camp. Cutler should have just kept his mouth shut and not commented on another player’s contract situation. 

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