Bears Blitz

Published by Jeff Chase on March 18, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears already made sure they would have running back Matt Forte for the 2012 season, but newly-appointed general manager Phil Emery has to make sure he locks down Forte for many years to come.

According to the Chicago Tribune‘s Brad Biggs, the Bears have been talking with Forte, but there is no sign that the two have made progress since the tag was placed.

The Bears remain in communication with running back Matt Forte, but general manager Phil Emery couldn’t offer a signal Friday that the sides have made progress on a long-term contract.

As per the source, Emery also spoke specifically on Forte and the situation between him and the Bears front office.

“We continue to work with Matt and his agent in that effort. I’m not going to get into details, but we continue to work with each other to find common ground.”

“Obviously, we want Matt to be a Bear for the long term,” he said. “We’re working toward that resolution.”

The Bears desperately need to make this work out soon, as they don’t want to be stuck in a difficult situation with Forte once the regular season starts to roll around.

Who knows, as Forte could potentially decide to hold out for the 2012 season until he gets the contract he is looking for.

According to ESPNChicago.com, it was noted that Forte may decide to holdout if he were franchise-tagged back in January of 2012.

Forte started the 2011 season as good as any player in a contract year could have, but he sprained his MCL back on December 4, 2011, which took him out for the rest of the year.

The Bears have already attained wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Miami Dolphins to help quarterback Jay Cutler for this coming season, so now isn’t the time to risk losing Forte for what could be a huge year for the Bears.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
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