David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune suggests that the Bears could sign quarterback Jay Cutler to a new long-term deal before they give a new contract to unsigned franchise running back Matt Forte. This is just another sign that the Bears have no intention of paying Forte's current asking price but you have to wonder about their priorities, Cutler has two years left on his contract while Forte doesn't have a contract at all and rookie GM Phil Emery is playing hardball. This is a league that is all about the quarterback right now and most of the Bears' offseason moves, primarily trading for Cutler's old teammate Brandon Marshall and drafting widout Alston Jeffrey, were done to please the quarterback. With two years remaining on a five-year, $50 million extension he signed in 2009, the Bears must realize the benefits for stability and the salary cap in locking up a 29-year-old quarterback whose presence affected every offseason decision, if the Bears budget at least $20 million in guarantees to one offensive back, investing in Cutler is smarter money than Forte too. Interestingly, when Cutler was asked how much he misses Forte at OTAs he answered by praising his possible replacement. "(Michael) Bush is doing a good job out here for us," Cutler said. "We all know what Matt can do for this offense. We all expect to have Matt at some point. When he gets here, he's going to step right in." Source: The Redzone
I'm no Bears fan, but this crap with Matt Forte is freaking annoying as hell. His contract is pretty much set with what has gone on this offseason. Just freaking sign the guy already. I'll trade you Mendenhall and drafts picks for Forte...Mendenhall is a natural fit for Chicago...do it!!!
Sure, sign Cutler ahead of Forte. What's the rush in signing Forte anyway? Kind of reminds me of the St. Louis Cardinals signing Matt Holliday to that huge contract before addressing Pujols. That would just be the nail in the Bears' coffin if they did that.
If I'm Forte i would be beyond pissed off, WTF is wrong with the bears organization!!!!! I mean after the McCoy deal it pretty much lays the foundation for Forte but instead they decide to pay a back-up RB and now they want to redo Cutler's contract?!?!
And the crazy thing is that Forte has not been a locker room distraction, hasn't been a diva about it, or is a cancer in the locker room. The guy just plays ball and he plays hard, I don't understand why the Bears just disrespect the guy the way that they are doing so. I'm not one to be in favor of holding out but in this case i can totally empathize with the situation and i would not show up until i get paid
