Another week, another outstanding game by Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte. 25 carries, 145 yards and a touchdown, nearly 6 yards per carry, and 38 yards receiving from the hardest working man in Chicago. Another week of excellence, another week of commentators and opposing coaches heaping praise on arguably the top performing running back in the NFL. Another week of silence and inaction by the bumbling Bears GM, Jerry Angelo.
We here at ReposDelight feel it is our civic duty to help Mr. Angelo make the right decision. Put simply, Jerry, pay Matt Forte!
The man accounts for nearly 50% of the Bears yards, and is the only offensive player, other than Jay Cutler, that any NFL team would actually want on their roster. A dual threat, Forte is equally adept running or catching the ball, and is well on his way to making his first Pro Bowl. What’s not to like?
Recent contracts to top tier running backs like Adrian Peterson, Frank Gore, and Chris Johnson have definitely driven the price up on top tier running backs, but the Bears seem unwilling to negotiate with Forte. Reports out of Chicago have rumored that Chicago is offering Forte less than $10 million in guaranteed money, while Forte and his agents are looking significantly more. All indications are that Jerry Angelo is willing to let Forte play out the season and apply the franchise tag to keep him in town another year at about $7.5 million. If they cannot reach a contract in that year, and Forte continues to excel, the Bears can franchise him a second season at about $9 million. At that point, Forte will be a 6th year running back and the Bears will likely draft his replacement.
In this business, the move is sound but does not factor in a huge issue – Bears fans love Matt Forte. In an era where Chris Johnson has had one good year and has managed two hold up the Tennessee Titans twice in the past 4 years for raises, Forte has endeared himself to fans and teammates alike. In the “City of Broad Shoulders”, Forte embodies everything Chicago thinks itself to be: hard-working, blue collar, no nonsense, and always taking care of business. In his silence, Forte has deftly won the hearts of the people. With his performance on the field, and his work ethic and demeanor off, this is a special player that the Bears should be building around.
Pay Matt Forte…he’s worth every penny!
