Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte optimistic about contract negotiations - NFL News
There has still not been any progress made between the Chicago Bears and running back, Matt Forte, on a new long-term deal, however, talks continue to take place and that has made Forte hopeful that he will get a new contract soon.
The running back has yet to sign his franchise tag tender and has said that he is prepared to hold out of training camp if a new deal is not given.
Both parties have till July 16th to agree on a new deal failing which the player will be forced to play on the tender for $ 7.7 million or face missing out on the entire 2012-13 season.
Things have been made difficult for Forte in the offseason after the Bears signed up running back, Michael Bush, a move that Forte was not impressed with.
Speaking in a radio interview the running back sounded optimistic about receiving a new deal.
"Me and my agent are talking to the Bears. So talks continue to go on. I'm really optimistic about that part -- we continue to talk."
He also went on to add that he might hold out if a new deal cannot be agreed upon before training camp.
"A lot of fans don't appreciate when guys hold out and stuff like that. But if it's a player and that is his leverage, he has to use it. As a team, they're going to use their leverage when they're negotiating against you."
Adding further he said.
"Not playing at all? That actually is an option, but there's a slight chance of that happening. There's another option of not being in camp and that stuff. There's two sides to it,"
Both the Bears and Forte have been at logger heads over a new deal since the end of the last campaign in which Forte excelled and put up some great performances.
However, the offer he got from the Bears was not enough in his view leading to the current stalemate between the two parties.
He was the Bears best rusher last season and put up 997-yards from 203 attempts while also scoring three touchdowns.
Hopefully both the player and Bears can agree on a new deal soon.
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