Bears Blitz

Published by Joshua Edwards on November 4, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Yes, he leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage.

Yes, he’s on pace for an historic season.

And yes, he’s basically the entire offense for Chicago.

But the Bears are a business, and not paying Forte is a good move.

Forte is playing well and deserves to be paid for that production. But good teams pay for performance in the future, not the present or the past. 

Look at the Titans. They handed Chris Johnson a mega-deal he “earned” by rushing for 2,000 yards in a season. As arguably the top back in the league, some thought his $30 million guaranteed might even be a steal.

Even DeAngelo Williams is getting $30 million over three years. 

Turns out you can get better performance with Forte for a measly $550,000 this year.

And that’s the problem: The Bears are not going to hand over $30 million in guarantees without the promise of production. But at the NFL running back position, there’s no such thing as a sure-fire bet.

Forte understands this, saying earlier this week, ‘‘The running back position is the most physically demanding on the field, and everyone acknowledges that.”

And that’s why he wants to be paid now, arguing,”To continue to give me the touches I’ve had since my rookie year but not award me a long-term contract sends the message that you’re okay grinding me into a pulp.’’

Sadly, in this business, he’s right.  

Forte has started every game for his four seasons. He’s played through injuries (all of 2009) and never missed time.

But as far as GM Jerry Angelo and Chicago are concerned, the Bears have already paid for those years and this one. They know they’ve gotten their money’s worth (and then some) on Forte’s rookie contract.

But that’s what good teams do when they draft great players. 

They’re not going to pay extra for this year, no matter how good he is.

Fact is, Matt Forte isn’t going anywhere. After this year, the Bears can use the franchise tag each of the next two seasons.

If they tag him next year, they’ll pay him around $7.7 million. If he has another great season, they can tag him again the following year for about $9 million. And if he has a down year in 2012 (or gets hurt) they don’t have to tag him—and he’ll be easier to sign to an extension. Or they can trade him.

So here’s the dilemma: Should the Bears give Forte more than the $15 million in guarantees he was offered? Or tag him for $8 million next year, see what happens and if they can’t agree on an extension simply tag him again?

Using both tags would amount to $17 million for two seasons. And with that approach the Bears can limit the risk and “pay as they go.”

Which do you want? An unhappy Forte playing with motivation to land a big contract this year, and next year (and the next year)?

Or a high-priced running back who won’t lead the league in yards from scrimmage every season?

Because last time I checked, Chris Johnson and DeAngelo Williams haven’t offered to return any of their money.

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