Matt Forte Rumors: Will the Chicago Bears Get a Deal Done This Offseason?
Published by Ryan Phillips on March 7, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
When the Chicago Bears placed the franchise tag on running back Matt Forte, they removed any urgency to get a long-term contract done with him. Forte is set to make $7.7 million next year under the franchise tag, and the two sides are apparently not close to agreeing on an extension beyond 2012.
Two similar running backs have signed long-term deals over the past few days, and that could help set the table for any deal to get done. The Seattle Seahawks signed Marshawn Lynch to a four-year, $32 million deal with $18 million guaranteed, then the Houston Texans inked Arian Foster to a five-year, $43.5 million deal with $20.75 million guaranteed.
The Chicago Sun-Times expects Lynch’s deal to be the floor for any contract talks with Forte.
New Bears general manager Phil Emery issued a statement that claimed the team is intent on working to keep Forte with the franchise beyond 2012.
Chicago really needs to get a deal with the 26-year-old running back done. The two sides have been dancing around this for the better part of a year and almost no tangible progress has been made. And to Forte’s credit, he hasn’t complained about it.
During his four-year career, Forte has been Chicago’s most consistent offensive weapon and in 2011, he was on his way to a career-year when a knee injury forced him to miss the final four games of the season.
Through 12 games, Forte had 997 yards rushing on 203 carries to go along with 490 yards on 52 receptions.
If Chicago thinks he can continue to produce at that level, it should be a no-brainer for the franchise to lock him up. Forte has earned a lucrative long-term deal and the Bears need to get a contract done this offseason. If they don’t, it could be a huge distraction for the team in 2012.
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