By: Pete Wilberscheid

Pete Wilberscheid — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:46:50 +0000

Matt Forte should sit out the first 10 games and return for the remaining 6 games, earning approximately $2.89 million dollars – still a significant raise for only a fraction of the season.

1) The first question would be – if Forte did sit out the first 10 games (as allowed by CBA) would Bears still franchise him (at 20% increase or $9.24 million) the following season? That’s money the Bears can’t use for any other player or FA acquisition should they franchise Forte again.

2) Who else on the Bears’ current roster is a likely candidate to be franchised next year? Using the franchise tag on Forte again next year could prevent the Bears from using it on a player they deem more important long-term.

3) Forte wants what each of us deserve, a chance to determine true fair market value via unrestricted free agency. Staying with the Bears results in Forte never achieving this until his skills have deteriorated. When is the last time that a top 10 RB has been available on the FA market and what did he earn?

4) It was tacky, but typical, for the Bears to release unsubstantiated information about the health of Forte’s knees in an attempt to damage his perceived value to others in the league. Playing only the last six games of the season should put the Bears’ worries at ease, as well as keep him fresher for the remainder of his career.

Comments on: Why Matt Forte Will Stay in Chicago

By: Pete Wilberscheid