NFL Rumors: Bears Must Lock Up Matt Forte to Avoid Ugly Situation
Published by Ryan Phillips on April 9, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have bungled the entire Matt Forte contract extension situation thus far, and simply need to stop this ridiculous circus and get the team’s best offensive player under contract.
Forte is understandably disappointed that he did everything right last season by showing up and playing rather than sitting out, while the two sides worked on a contract extension. The Bears consistently low-balled him and after the season they slapped him with the franchise tag.
Both sides remain open to working out a long-term deal but according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, nothing appears imminent. Forte is expected to sit out the beginning of the team’s offseason workouts as a result.
This situation has gone from mildly interesting to ugly, as Chicago inked Michael Bush to a contract before getting something done with Forte. The Tulane product was understandably not pleased.
It was the fourth time the Bears had brought in another running back while Forte has been on the roster. Previously the team had signed Chester Taylor, Kevin Jones and Marion Barber.
Forte was having a career-year in 2011 before missing the final four games of the season with a sprained MCL. Still in 12 games he rushed for 997 yards and three touchdowns on 203 carries, a career-high yards per carry of 4.9. He also caught 52 passes for 490 yards and one touchdown. He reached his first Pro Bowl as a result of his work in those 12 games.
Since entering the league in 2008 Forte has been the team’s best offensive player and he deserves to be rewarded as such.
The two sides have until July 16 to work out a long-term contract. If they can’t come to an agreement, Forte will play the 2012 season on a one-year contract for the $7.7 million due to him as a franchise tagged running back.
The Bears should just bite the bullet and pay the man what he deserves. Something in the neighborhood of what the Seattle Seahawks gave Marshawn Lynch (four years, $31 million, $17 million guaranteed) should be the floor for negotiations between the teams.
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