Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler changes tune regarding RB Matt Forte's contract situation
In previous interviews Chicago Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler had expressed optimism that running back, Matt Forte will return back to practice with the franchise at training camp.
However, in an interview with ESPN on Wednesday, the quarterback did not seem as sure.
Forte is currently at loggerheads with the Bears over a new long-term deal and negotiations have been ongoing since the start of the offseason.
Both parties have till now failed to agree on a new deal and now have till Monday July 16th to agree on a contract.
The Bears have placed Forte on the franchise tender but the running back has not signed it and it is likely that he would hold out of training camp.
Cutler said as much during the interview.
He said:
"We don't know what's gonna happen."
Adding further he said:
"It's a business on both ends. So if and when we get Matt back, we're happy to have him."
That is a big u-turn from his previous statements where he remained confident that Forte would return soon and he did not reveal details about new information that led him to change his stance.
The quarterback went on to say that he is not worried about the lack of practice time Forte will have when he does return and said that he would get back up to speed in no time.
"I think physically, he can do it, no question about it. The guy is an absolute gym rat. He works out all the time. Physically, being able to go out there and play a game, I think Matt can probably do that tomorrow."
Forte will likely miss training camp without a contract but it is highly unlikely that the player will not sign his franchise tender later on to take part in the regular season games.
The current tender for the running back is valued at $ 7.7 million for the season and Forte would not wish to miss his weekly pay check worth $ 455,000 by missing regular season games.
Hopefully both parties will get together and agree on a new long-term deal soon to end the stalemate.
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