RB Matt Forte to Chicago Bears, tag me and you won't find me - NFL News
Running back Matt Forte’s standoff with the Chicago Bears continues as the player still awaits an extension to his contract by the franchise after refusing a previous $14 million offer.
This time the running back who is likely to be franchise tag which will keep him with the Bears for another year has lashed out at the possibility.
"A lot of teams franchise guys so that they can get a deal done or negotiate a deal. It just depends on what the motive of that is. I wouldn't say holdout, but people probably wouldn't know where I was."
The running back’s contract has just completed and talks for an extension have remained stalled with Forte not particularly happy with the wages he was receiving.
"A lot of people said do I regret turning down the money and then playing and getting injured, I would say no, because I'm not going to let anyone undervalue me as a player. I know what type of value I have to the team and the offense. And I'm not going
to just accept a deal because they're not going to budge. I'm not going to accept that.”
Ex-Bears general manager Jerry Angelo previously stated that they had offered a contract to Forte but he refused to accept it and they had tried exhaustively to make him sign up.
Now with Angelo gone and the Bears still searching for a new GM as they prepare to interview several candidates the running back will have to wait if he wants to receive a new offer. Forte on his part is happy since with Angelo’s removal he believes that
negotiations have a better chance at success.
Forte had a brilliant 2011 season before succumbing to a season ending knee injury in week 13. The running back along with quarterback Jay Cutler led the Bears early charge for a playoff spot.
Forte covered 997 rushing yards for three touchdowns as he made 223 attempts. He also covered 490 receiving yards making 52 receptions and scoring a single touchdown as the Bears went to 7-3 by week 11. The injury to Cutler after the game against San Diego
Chargers jolted the Bears offence.
The Bears lost their next two games and with Forte also out for the season with injury the team went on a five game losing streak that put paid to their chances of making the playoff rounds.
The Bears have just recently fired general manager Jerry Angelo along with offensive coordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks Coach Shane Day.
Forte was voted in for the National Football Conference All-Pro team this year and is prepared to undergo a medical which will confirm his fitness to take part in the prestigious fixture.
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