The Bears hammer out a last second long term deal with RB Matt Forte
Written by Adrian Gregory Glover // July 16, 2012 // NFL // No comments
CHICAGO—Matt Forte’s contract saga was only second to Drew Brees’ in terms of the stakes and the drama that was involved.
The RB is now guaranteed to be in camp on time after he skipped OTAs and mini-camp while he was fishing for a new deal after he was franchised back in March.
The RB went on the offensive after the Bears reeled in former Oakland RB Michael Bush as a presumed insurance policy to Forte’s situation.
Forte spoke of his irritation publicly and even went as far as to post a video of himself working out to kill any rumors that he still was having issues with a MCL injury that ended his season early last year.
Now all shall be happy as Forte has a four-year contract worth roughly $32 million, according to ESPN.
When QB Jay Cutler commented on his teammate’s availability this year he forecasted a world in which Forte would be forced to play under the franchise tag.
“I would be shocked if he doesn’t sign his tender by July 15, or whenever it is, and he shows up. It would really be a surprise to me,” Cutler said. “At the end of the day, I think Matt knows it’s business. He’s still getting seven-whatever-million dollars to play this year. So he’s gonna show up.”
Cutler ended up being half right with that one. He’s showing up but with 32-whatever-million dollars to play this year and beyond.
Before the day is over with, other deals such as those for Patriots WR Wes Welker and Kansas City’s WR Dwayne Bowe will most likely remain unfulfilled.
