Matt Forte is doing his best to make the Bears re-consider their latest contract offer.
He leads all running backs this season in yards from scrimmage. He ranks sixth in yards-per-carry at 5.4, which is a career high. He’s on pace for more than 1,200 yards rushing and 1,200 yards receiving.
Forte is really the only thing to like about the Bears offense, but his early production hasn’t affected contract talks yet.
“We have received no indication of any change in the stance of the Bears as it relates to their perception — despite his production — of Matt’s value,” agent Adisa Bakari said to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Everyone in Chicago seems well aware of the Bears’ position. Center Roberto Garza was asked if Forte took the team’s offensive linemen out to dinner after his 205-yard game.
“I don’t think he can afford it right now,” Garza jokingly said.
We suspect the Bears are simply comfortable making Forte the team’s franchise player next year. It’s an annoying position from Forte’s perspective, but makes some sense for Chicago.
Running back is the ultimate year-to-year position. Forte may deserve better, but his situation doesn’t sound especially likely to change no matter how many yards he puts up.
