Contract Saga: Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte remains optimistic on new deal - NFL News
With New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees’ long running contract-saga over attention can now turn to the other contract problem of Chicago Bears running back, Matt Forte.
The deadline to sign a new deal is approaching fast with Forte and the Bears having till Monday to agree on a new long-term deal.
However, no new news regarding progress of negotiations has yet emerged although the running back in a recent interview remained optimistic.
The Bears and Forte have been locked in negotiations for most of the offseason with the franchise placing the exclusive-rights tag on the running back.
Forte has till date refused to sign the tag and has held out of the team’s mandatory minicamp and organised team activities (OTAs) as he looks forward to receiving a new deal.
Speaking to ESPN insider Adam Schefter Forte said:
"Hopefully, it will end up well. And when? Hopefully by the 16th. That's the final date, so I'm looking forward to trying to get it done by then."
However, the running back has said that he is not prepared to miss out on the new season and without a new deal will have no choice but to sign the $ 7.749 million tender to play with the Bears in the regular season.
He hinted at that conclusion when asked what would happen if he did not get the deal.
Forte said:
"I think we all know what happens."
Recently Chicago Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler who was highly optimistic about the running back receiving a new deal, also changed his tune and said that he is unsure when he will get to practice with Forte again.
The running back also said that missing out on training would not be a problem for him and he will get back up to speed quickly.
"I take training and preparing for the season very seriously. That's what I do. I'm not going to go into a season out of shape or not prepared for a game or prepared for the entire season."
There are still a few days left to get the deal done and hopefully the running back and Chicago Bears will agree to a new deal soon.
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