Matt Forte Rumors: The Latest on the Chicago Bears Franchise Player

The Chicago Bears hit running back Matt Forte with the franchise tag on March 2nd, but that doesn't mean the two sides won't be working on a long-term deal over the next few months. 

The Chicago Sun-Times reported the franchise tag news and provided an interesting quote from new general manager from Phil Emery regarding Forte's future with the team: 

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Matt is an important part of our football team, and we chose to utilize the franchise tag to ensure he remains a Bear. We believe in Matt as a player and a person. Our intention is to continue to work to find common ground and keep Matt as a member of the Chicago Bears in 2012 and beyond.

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While that entire statement doesn't necessarily suggest they'll be working on a long-term deal for the talented runner, the fact that Emery used the phrase "2012 and beyond" shows that the Bears front office isn't against the idea of a long-term contract. 

Forte will make $7.7 million next season if an extension cannot be agreed upon, but you'd have to that is a distinct possibility. 

The Bears and Forte's agent, Adisa Bakari, have until July 16th to come to terms on a new contract. 

In Michael Wright of ESPNChicago's article on Forte's franchise tag, he cited a quote team president Ted Phillips made on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" stating that the team would like to sign Forte to a new deal. 

Wright also discussed Forte's opinion on matter in the same article:

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Forte said he was amenable to the franchise designation if "they're doing (it) to just get more time in order to negotiate a long-term deal. But if it's just to hold me another year, that's not going to solve anything."

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After a year-long dispute over his contract and with Forte clearly being the most important offensive player, expect a multiyear deal to be completed in the next few months. 

It'd be a win-win for both sides. 

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