Forte NOT signing Franchise Tag...

**85Bears4life** · 03-14-2012, 02:39 PM

Jason La Canfora ‏ @JasonLaCanfora

Bears looking at RB Michael Bush; Matt Forte could be headin for a holdout, not gonna sign franchise tag soon. Makes sense

**whitesox901** · 03-14-2012, 03:27 PM

Pay the man.

**Capt. Serious** · 03-14-2012, 03:35 PM

who can blame him? the man wants job security long term.

**TopekaRoy** · 03-14-2012, 03:37 PM

Do you guys think this is just a negotiating ploy to get a better deal from the Bears? The Franchise tag is $7,742,000. If he sits out this year, that's a lot of money to make up on his next contract in addition to what he would have gotten anyway.

Forte deserves more and I hope the Bears give it to him, but I can't imagine missing an entire season would be in Matt's financial interest.

**BNB** · 03-14-2012, 03:41 PM

He'll either sign a new contract or the tag. I'm not worried about it.

**WindyCity7** · 03-14-2012, 03:45 PM

#Paytheman FUCK the tag

**thedude33** · 03-14-2012, 04:13 PM

Wow, hardball.

**Scoot26** · 03-14-2012, 04:17 PM

I thought I read a report somewhere that he was close to signing a deal...I guess that report was wrong.

**Crystallas** · 03-14-2012, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by TopekaRoy

Do you guys think this is just a negotiating ploy to get a better deal from the Bears? The Franchise tag is $7,742,000. If he sits out this year, that's a lot of money to make up on his next contract in addition to what he would have gotten anyway.

Forte deserves more and I hope the Bears give it to him, but I can't imagine missing an entire season would be in Matt's financial interest.

Exactly. If he misses a season, or doesn't come into this season ready to play football, he'll do nothing but decrease his value and make it look like he's a headcase(when he really isn't.)

**CubbyBear2290** · 03-14-2012, 04:44 PM

Looks like that is why Michael Bush was brought in. I honestly can say I wouldn't be surprised if the Bears didn't let Bush leave the city w/o signing on the dotted line, along with not being at all surprised if Forte wasn't in a Bears uniform next year.

Thats just my take. Not saying that would be a good thing or a bad thing, but at least their doing their due diligence and bringing in a real Starting Caliber back (bush) as a possibility.

**Sunbiz1** · 03-14-2012, 05:04 PM

Oh for god's sakes...this has to be a rumor.

Most likely started by his agent.

**ZAN** · 03-14-2012, 05:05 PM

Life span of an NFL RB is about 5 years. Sign the tag, or have a good 2-3 years elsewhere. I'm not losing sleep over it.

**1ke** · 03-14-2012, 07:10 PM

Running backs in the NFL today are a extra commodity.

I see Matts point, but I also see the Bears point. Soooo......

Matt I love you, youre a decent enough player, and half the offense. But you can GTFO. Love ya bruh, but Ill take Bush and half that money and use it elsewhere.

**CubbyBear2290** · 03-14-2012, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by 1ke

Running backs in the NFL today are a extra commodity.

I see Matts point, but I also see the Bears point. Soooo......

Matt I love you, youre a decent enough player, and half the offense. But you can GTFO. Love ya bruh, but Ill take Bush and half that money and use it elsewhere.

Wow someone who actually agrees with how I view Running Backs lol.

But to add to what you said, Forte is a much better runner is a zone blocking system. The bears run a power man blocking system which is made for guys who are north and south runners, and aren't as reliant on vision.

So Bush fits the offensive system much better, because he is a north south runner and Forte is a cutback and vision runner. Not saying Bush is better, but fits the system better.

**B18** · 03-14-2012, 08:30 PM

Seriously the guy was about 70% of our offense and they won't sign him. If yet let him walk no free agent can make up for it.

**JosMin** · 03-14-2012, 08:35 PM

Adding Bush and somebody in the draft could supplement Forte if he decides to hold out. I love you, Forte -- but you signed the contract, honor it. Ultimately, they'll figure it out.

**CubbyBear2290** · 03-14-2012, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by B18

Seriously the guy was about 70% of our offense and they won't sign him. If yet let him walk no free agent can make up for it.

see that is where you are wrong, running backs are the most easily replaced position on the field.

**1ke** · 03-14-2012, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by CubbyBear2290

see that is where you are wrong, running backs are the most easily replaced position on the field.

Precisely. I think people forget Matt was a 2nd round pick himself. DeMarco Murray wasnt a high pick, he cost peanuts and will feature in Dallas.

How would people feel if that Forte money got used on Eric Winston. Or Gallery to compete at guard? Its a business now more so than ever, and about money now. RBs are just too easy to replace.

I agree with you about Matt too. I think him being so successful is a testament to how good he is. But, the problem for him is NY, GB, Pitt, NO, Indy, all won superbowls with very mediocre RBs.

**B18** · 03-14-2012, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by CubbyBear2290

see that is where you are wrong, running backs are the most easily replaced position on the field.

Not easy to find a rb with his receiving skills.

**CubbyBear2290** · 03-14-2012, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by B18

Not easy to find a rb with his receiving skills.

No one said it was but did you realize 1 potential free agent targets in Bush and tolbert caught 37 for 418 (Bush) and 54 for 433 (Tolbert). Running Backs got hands. And both of the aformentioned guys can catch and run with brute power and fit the offensive line scheme much better than Forte does, though not better overall.

Also have you forgotten that Marshall is now here, forte's reception would probably go down signifcantly with him and more receiver being added besides Marshall.

Long story short, Forte IS NOT worth the money he is asking for.