Bears and Matt Forte

[dimbee]

Matt continues to show that he is far and away the most important figure on the Bears offense, if not the entire Bears team. He is making something like $600,000 this year, the final year of his rookie contract. Negotiations were vigorous during the abbreviated off-season, but nothing was worked out and reports were the 2 sides were fairly far apart. Both sides have equally fair stances- Forte has been the most important RB to an NFL team in the last several seasons (at least in my opinion). The Bears have the option to place the Franchise tag on him next season.

To his credit, Forte has been playing the part of the good soldier, doing his job and doing so exceptionally well.

Recent comments from him show that he is growing more and more unhappy with the lack of respect and appreciation he's feeling from the Bears.

Chris Johnson and his "production" thus far this season speak to the risk of giving a runningback the big time contract (though his holdout and a more efficient passing QB can both be the reason for that). Interesting to note that Forte is on pace to challenge Johnson for his NFL record of total yards from scrimmage. Also interesting to note that DeAngelo Williams after his uber-contract is currently ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing yards (though certainly Cam's amazing production and a switch to a pass-happy offense are certainly both to blame for that).

So... just thought this would be interesting to put out there- what are your feelings on this (other than yet another example of the Bears propensity for being fuggen cheapskates)?

[Jackofalltrades]

I think this is a HUGE mistake by the Bears FO. Pay the man, he can do it all and does it well. He's not a part of the offense, he is the offense. Personally I hope he gives them a big fug you and leaves for a team willing to show their appreciation for his talents.

Forte to Denver.

[frash.exe]

leave it to the bears' FO to deprive the team of offensive play makers

[JawnyBlaze]

Call it the homer in me, but I'd have a much easier time believing Chris Johnson's contract has influenced his play than Deangelo's. Deangelo has never seemed like the kind of guy that's just in it for the money. Chris Johnson has. Nothing I've ever seen from Forte (not that I've watched many interviews of his or anything) says he would let hitting his payday influence his effort either. I won't argue that Forte is probably the most important player on the Bears offense, and for that he should get paid. I could see him being worth Deangelo money. And Deangelo's lack of production isn't because of him hitting his pay day or him slowing down or anything, in my opinion. I just don't think he's being used as effectively as he could be. His YPC are still very respectable, even though he's being asked to run up the gut a higher percentage of the time than a guy with his skill set should be. He and Stew seem to be running each other's optimal plays, rather than their own.

[frash.exe]

Also interesting to note that DeAngelo Williams after his uber-contract is currently ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing yards (though certainly Cam's amazing production and a switch to a pass-happy offense are certainly both to blame for that).

considering the role he plays in the offense it was money we needed basically spent on luxury talent.

In the bears' case, Forte plays a huge role for their offense to work, not only as a runner but a pass catcher. if they let him go elsewhere they better find another utility back somewhere who's as good as he is. you guys already need a no.1 receiver.

[Kevin Greene]

I guess Da Bears FO said if they don't come to terms they'll Franchise Forte next year, then let him walk.

They better hope Julius Peppers isn't advising Forte.

[Swarly]

Forte needs to continue beasting until the Bears lock up a playoff spot, then start his hold out until he gets paid. The ultimate bargaining chip.

We all know they'd score like 10 PPG without Forte so it'd essentially be pay the man or lose another playoff game.

[frash.exe]

I guess Da Bears FO said if they don't come to terms they'll Franchise Forte next year, then let him walk.

They better hope Carl Carey isn't advising Forte, and that Forte isn't a mute who can't think for himself.

fixed

[SOJA]

The short version: Pay the man

Obviously Dimbee you probably don't feel like this way, but I believe that Forte is one of the most underrated running backs in the league. Although Carolina's run defense blows donkey balls this year, it's still takes talent to rush for over 200 on any NFL defense. Every time I watch the Bears this guy sticks out as a play maker on a team that's known for its defense and special teams. The fact that he is only making 600,000 is pretty ridiculous.

I'm honestly surprised the Bears have been unwilling to budge. As you said, he has been a "good soldier" about the situation, also they gave a monster deal to Peppers and a pretty hefty check to another back: Chester Taylor (who I believe isn't even on the team anymore).

It's puzzling, but I bet Chicago will pay him this offseason.

[Brandon]

The Bears need to ask themselves if they feel the offense can sustain it's current production without him, and the image it would project to the team if they let him walk.

[Niner National]

Bears could have gotten him for less if they signed him long term this year. After the season he's having this year, his price has gone up.

[thefuzz]

Franchise him. Draft a replacement. If he does well in the franchise year you can either extend him, or franchise him again.

If he does not play well. Ship him out.

If he plays well, but the replacement looks to be solid, then you can do whatever you want.

You don't win in the NFL paying RB's like D Will, AP, and Chris Johnson.

[Epistaxis]

What fuzz just said.

Professional football is a business, and while I can understand the desire to "pay da man" from the workaday perspective, you need to put yourself in the mind of a boss/GM.

what is the prudent, fiscally sound decision?

Franchise tag, draft a replacement, then say goodbye.

RBs are chewed up and spit out awfully fast, and are easily replacable.

I like forte, I like what he does for my team, but I also do not want to see my team make a stupid financial decision based on missplaced public sentiment.

The position he plays is not a long term investment. If you are smart.

[Delhommey]

Who's the last team to win the SB with a bell cow back? The Ravens?