NFL teams are constantly trying to low ball and string their star running backs out with the excuse that they should play their initial rookie deal out, then franchise them once or twice. When an NFL team is actually ready to give that running back a new deal, most have so much wear and tear on their bodies that said team is now ready to move on.
The Chicago Bears are now playing hard ball with star running back Matt Forte and seem to have all the leverage.
Per nfl.com and the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Bears are using their concerns over Forte’s lingering knee issues to avoid giving him a long-term deal.
The Bears have expressed concerns that Forte may have a growing arthritic condition in his knee that will almost certainly shorten his NFL career.
Forte has not signed his $7.7 million dollar franchise tender and will not be participating in OTA’s.
People can say what they want about his durability. Forte is a flat-out baller and deserves a new deal and some respect from the Bears. He is one of the most versatile backs in the NFL if not the most versatile. He accounted for over 1,500 total yards and yea missed the last 4 games.
Chicago if you don’t want him, I can think of about 22 teams who would love Forte.
Glenn Erby is a NFL writer for FootBasket. He also owns the NFL blog, Tha Cover 2. You can read more about him over there. Follow him on Twitter @thacover2.
