Chicago Bears President Ted Phillips will not allow RB Matt Forte to reach free agency - NFL News
With the general manager situation at Chicago Bears finally coming to an end with the hiring of Phil Emery, President Ted Phillips has now turned his eye on finding a solution to the contract situation involving star running back Matt Forte.
Forte’s contract is nearing expiration after the running back had a Pro-Bowl year, lighting up the Bears offence early in the season before succumbing to a season ending knee injury. The 26-year-old is keen to stay with the franchise but wants a higher pay
packet that will place him in the same category as the rest of his colleagues across the National Football League.
Chicago’s President in an interview however, dismissed speculations and said that the franchise will not allow Forte to reach free agency and a deal will soon be tabled.
"We'd like to (work out a long-term deal with Forte),"
Elongating further Phillips said.
"But as Phil pointed out we obviously will at least consider placing the franchise tag on him. We don't have any intention of letting Matt hit the open market. We'll sit down with him privately, Phil will, and discuss what the plans are prior to the Feb.
20 franchise tag date."
The Bears tabled an offer to Forte earlier after the end of the season but the running back rejected it on the basis that it was not enough.
With Angelo being fired from the job soon after, Forte has in multiple interviews stated that he wants to remain in Chicago and a deal will soon be reached when a new general manager is in place.
In his introductory interview new Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery was asked about Forte’s contract situation but the general manager refused to provide any details dodging the question by saying that he will not provide any details since it would
give away “competitive advantage”.
The statement by Phillips that they will apply the franchise tag if nothing could be reached will definitely irk Forte, who has previously stated that even if Chicago tags him they will not find him.
Matt Forte had a great 2011-12 season with Chicago but injuries pre-maturely brought it to an end. Forte rushed for 997 yards from 203 attempts scoring three touchdowns while also making 52 receptions for a gain of 480 yards and a single touchdown.
The Bears were easily moving towards a playoff spot by week 11 in the NFL season with a 7-3 record. However, injuries to both Forte and quarterback Jay Cutler turned their season upside down with the franchise ending the season with a poor 8-8 record and
missing out on the playoffs.
Emery has tough times ahead of him and it will be a big test of negotiation skills if he wants to bring Forte and the franchise to an agreement.
Stay tuned in the coming days for more news from Halas Hall.
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