Bears Blitz

Published by Bob Warja on March 22, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The tweet came out dripping with disgust and a touch of anger. There is no mistaking that Chicago Bears franchise running back Matt Forte is not happy with the team’s decision to sign former Raiders RB Michael Bush.

The Bears signed Bush to a four-year contract worth up to $14 million, including $7 million in guaranteed money, according to NBC Sports’ Mike Florio (per Michael David Smith).

Forte viewed the signing as a sign of disrespect. If things continue to escalate and the relationship deteriorates, could the Bears possibly be willing to trade their franchise running back? 

Forte tweeted: “There’s only so many times a man that has done everything he’s been asked to do can be disrespected! Guess the GOOD GUYS do finish last….”

On the one hand, no one will be holding any tag days for Forte, who will get paid handsomely in 2012. As a franchise-tagged player, he will get the average of the top five running backs’ salaries, which is $7.74 million.

However, it’s also easy to see his point, too. The Bears haven’t been able to reach agreement on a long-term deal for Forte, and signing Bush would appear to be a way to reduce his leverage.

Bush rushed for 2,642 yards and 21 touchdowns over four seasons with Oakland, despite missing his rookie year because of a broken leg.

Last year was his best season, as he gained 977 yards in just nine games.

Meanwhile, the Bush signing likely means the end of Marion Barber’s career in Chicago. He was effective at times in 2011, but is best remembered for his part in a Week 14 overtime loss to Denver. In that game, Barber had a brain cramp, going out of bounds and then fumbling in OT. Releasing Barber would save $2 million from the 2012 salary cap number for the Bears.

In my opinion, this is another great move by new GM Phil Emery. Bush provides a back capable of starting in the event that Forte gets injured again or holds out.

Unlike last year, when injuries derailed the Bears as they went on a five-game tailspin, the Bears are stocking up on their backups. They signed QB Jason Campbell to back up Jay Cutler and now they bring in Bush to back up Forte.

However, Forte and his agent don’t see things like I do.  

“Since drafting Matt in 2008, the Bears have signed Kevin Jones, Chester Taylor and Marion Barber, all ostensibly to serve as Matt’s back-up,” Forte’s agent Adisa Bakari said (per ESPN’s Michael C. Wright. “To sign yet another running back, prior to completing a contract with Matt suggests disregard for Matt and his contributions to the Bears.”

Look—the Bears did offer Forte an extension last year when Jerry Angelo was still around, with ESPN reporting the Bears offered around $14 million in guaranteed money. However, the offer did not suit Forte and his agent.

Most running backs just don’t command the big-money, long-term contracts. And now with Bush in the fold, the Bears would seem to be telling Forte they can replace him if he doesn’t sign for the money the Bears are offering.

However, I still feel the Bears want Forte to stick around, despite the Bush signing. Forte is a proven commodity who not only runs well, but catches the ball out of the backfield as well as any back in the league.

Even former Bears tight end Greg Olsen got into the act on Twitter:  “If u have a studd 3 down guy like @MattForte 22 why keep paying backups big $ every yr?” Crazy !! Matt deserves better.”

Other than feeling unwanted when the Bears traded him, Olsen probably wrote this because Forte is his workout partner and they remain close.

If the relationship gets strained too much, will the Bears entertain the idea of trading Forte? It’s unlikely but remains a possibility.

If they did trade Forte, what could they get in return? A couple second-round picks is the best they could probably do; I doubt a team will offer a first-round pick.

Recognizing that, I hope they hang onto him. I just hope he doesn’t pout. There’s no crying in football.

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