Bears make franchise call on Forte

[East]

As expected, the Chicago Bears have kept running back Matt Forte off of the free-agent market by designating him as their franchise player on Friday. If the two sides are unable to work out a long-term contract before the July 16 deadline, Forte will be paid $7.7 million for the 2012 season.

"Matt is an important part of our football team and we chose to utilize the franchise tag to ensure he remains a Bear," general manager Phil Emery said. "We believe in Matt as a player and a person. Our intention is to continue to work to find common ground and keep Matt as a member of the Chicago Bears in 2012 and beyond."

Keeping him beyond 2012 via a second franchise tag would cost the Bears 120 percent of this year's tag cost, so they should be motivated to work out a long-term deal if possible.

Forte will get the deal he wants.

 

[RipCity32]

Don't get why the Bears haven't been able to work out a contract with him. It seems like they've been talking about it with him for quite some time.

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

Don't get why the Bears haven't been able to work out a contract with him. It seems like they've been talking about it with him for quite some time.

He wants a lot of money for a lot of years, Bears don't wanna give a lot of money to a running back, since they don't typically last a long time.

 

[Mooche]

He wants a lot of money for a lot of years, Bears don't wanna give a lot of money to a running back, since they don't typically last a long time.

And as tough as it is, the value of a stud RB is diminishing in this league as it continues to move to a completely pass-happy direction.

 

[bestkeptsecret13]

Exactly, I don't mind franchising him at all.

 

[Elite]

A pass-happy league makes Matt Forte even more valuable, you'd have a 1000 yard rusher who also gets 700 receiving yards, which is what Forte would have had if he didn't get hurt.

 

[Mooche]

A pass-happy league makes Matt Forte even more valuable, you'd have a 1000 yard rusher who also gets 700 receiving yards, which is what Forte would have had if he didn't get hurt.

Forte is an exception due to the hands he does have. Guy is very talented catching the ball. The point still remains that overall the position is becoming less and less valuable in this new era of the NFL.