ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter first reported that the Bears and Forte agreed on a 4-year, $31.5 deal Monday morning, ending any chances of a potential holdout for the star running back.

Forte was originally due to make $7.74 million this season after the Bears placed the franchise tag on him. Despite an injury-shortened 2011 season, Forte still racked up 997 yards on the ground in 12 games. The multi-purpose running back should be pushed even harder this year with the team’s acquisition of Michael Bush in the offseason and the added offensive threat of Brandon Marshall.

Many have questioned for months whether or not the Bears should sign Forte to a long-term deal given his position and recent injury as well. The potential threat of a training camp holdout may have contributed to the team’s decision.

What do you think?  Was Forte’s contract justified? Did the Bears overpay simply to keep him happy?

Nov 6, 2008; Cleveland, Oh, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (6) celebrates a touchdown with receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Brown Stadium . The Broncos beat the Browns 34-30. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Well, well, Mr. Emery…perhaps the background check the Bears did on you didn’t uncover the fact that you are a skilled thief and I couldn’t be happier!!!

Nov 6, 2008; Cleveland, Oh, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (6) celebrates a touchdown with receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Brown Stadium . The Broncos beat the Browns 34-30. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

In a stunning move, the Bears have traded two 3rd round picks for Pro Bowl WR Brandon Marshall.  This moves effectively gets the band back together, teaming Jay Cutler and Marshall along with QB Coach Jeremy Bates in the hopes of finding the success the trio had in Denver together a few short seasons ago.  I think this is a GREAT move for the Bears.  Marshall is signed through 2014 and his 2012 cap number is “only” $9.5M which is likely less than it would have cost the Bears to go after Vincent Jackson.  Kudos to Emery and the Bears for making a move that makes PERFECT sense.  Now the cherry on top of my sundae would be for the Bears to land Mario Williams to team with Julius Peppers and make our defense dominant in 2012.

Welcome to Chicago, Mr. Marshall, my cup just got a little fuller of the blue and orange kool-aid!!!

CAN I GET AN AMEN?!?!?!?!?!

The DeCon has spoken, so let it be written, so let it be done…

Phil Emery speaks at his introductory presser (Chicago Tribune)

The Bears officially announced Phil Emery as their new GM. Ever since they announced him as a candidate, it’s been gnawing at me – “Who does this guy look like?” Here are my candidates for the Phil Emery Look-Alike contest, after the jump.

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