Matt Forte and Chicago Bears Reach a Deal
By Mike Dyce
Chicago Bears and star running back, Matt Forte have reached a multi-year deal before the 4pm ET deadline for players with the franchise tag today. ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported the news on the deal citing a league source.
Had the two sides been unable to reach a deal before the deadline Forte would of had two options: 1) sit out the season or 2) play the season under the franchise tender for $7.749 million. Forte has been looking or an extension with the Bears since last offseason.
Adam Schefter said the deal was for 4 years at around $8 million a year, though “no official numbers just yet.” That would be a contract of $32 million overall.
“The two sides had been close for days now and they were able to get the final details in place this morning” Schefter said.
Forte’s value to the franchise is undeniable and they struggled down the stretch after he was injured in an early December game against Kansas City and was forced to miss the end of the season. Forte is the first running back to make a Pro Bowl for the Chicago Bears since 1991, and he did so with 1,487 yards from scrimmage 997 of those coming on the ground. Averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
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