Matt Forte called himself optimistic as the deadline for a contract extension looms. The Bears running back sat down with ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday to discuss his contract. A subdued Forte still thinks a deal can get done before Monday’s 3PM deadline:
"“Hopefully, it will end up well,” Forte told ESPN.com NFL Insider Adam Schefter. “And when? Hopefully by the 16th. That’s the final date, so I’m looking forward to trying to get it done by then.”"
Forte is even turning to a higher power in hopes that a deal gets done:
"“I’m a very optimistic guy, so going into this weekend I’m pretty optimistic that it will get done,” Forte said. “Saying my prayers and everything, hopefully it will get done.”"
Forte should know that Virgina McCaskey is a little closer to the big guy upstairs and she has been praying to get off a little cheaper than the $20 million in guaranteed money that Forte has reportedly been seeking.
If the Bears and Forte can’t a deal done by Monday’s 3PM deadline, Forte will have no choice but to sign the Franchise tag and play the 2012 season for the estimated $7.7 million. It’s feared that if a deal doesn’t get done, Forte will hold out, but it really won’t do any good than to continue to put the spotlight on himself and this situation. If you listen to Forte and his tone in the interview, it sounds like he just wants to put this behind him and get to the business of trying to win a championship. That will best happen if he gets his butt to Bourbonnais and starts preparing for the season.
Forte said all he hears whenever people see him is “pay the man” and you can tell he’s tired of it. So are we. Let’s hope this weekend is spent getting this deal done for all our sakes.