Chicago Bears: Matt Forte Wants Contract Extension Prior to Camp Beginning

Matt Forte, the most consistent staple of the Chicago Bears offense over the past four seasons, is hoping that his efforts will be rewarded in the form of a new contract extension once the lockout ends.

According to a Chicago Tribune report this weekend, Forte is intending on doing things by “going about it the right way” when it comes to contract extension talks. Forte, who is schedules to make $550K in his final season of his rookie deal, understands that things will get wild and crazy for the Bears organization upon completion of the lockout.

The Bears won’t only have to worry about re-signing their own players, but signing draft picks, undrafted players, free agents and completing trades.

“Any time a player has been producing very well, they’re going to come back and say, ‘Hey, throw me a bone here,’” Forte mentioned in the report.

Forte, 25, was drafted by Chicago in the 2008 NFL Draft. Since his addition to the team, he has become a workhorse for the Bears. Forte has rushed for 3,236 yards and caught 1,495 yards in passes in three NFL seasons, showing his versatility and value.

He has the fifth most yards from scrimmage since joining the league.

Forte understands the Bears may be in a bit of a bind time-wise, but he would like to see an extension signed before the start of practices sometime this week. A deal in which Forte would feel like, “(he’s) one of the best in the game,” he told the Chicago Tribune.

Where Forte ranks amongst the Bears top offseason priorities is unknown, but if Forte wants job security going forward, then his club may have to move him up in importance.

Not everyone can always get what they want, but Forte has proven in his first three seasons that he is a professional athlete who has gone about his business in a proper, well-respected manner. Combined with his classy personality, Forte has never missed an NFL game either. Forte has started all 48 games of his pro football career.

What kind of contract extension can Forte expect to receive?

Seeing as he was the 130th highest paid running back in 2010 making $385K, it will certainly be a pay raise.

Matt Forte may not be the caliber of a rusher that Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson are, but his impact on his team’s offense is just as crucial for success. Forte wears many more hats than just running back for the Bears. He in essence is the team’s best wide receiver as well.

This perspective contract will certainly be a unique hybrid contract. Forte statistically benefits from the lack of a No. 1 receiver on the Bears roster by catching more swing passes and check downs from quarterback Jay Cutler. These additional touches may spell more money for Forte’s extension.

Forte does not intend on missing practice, but if he is serious about getting the extension done before camp, then he may have to decide whether to report on time or holdout.

Should the latter occur, the Bears have no other option but to bust out the checkbook and get it done.

Thoughts? Comments? Follow Brett Lyons on Twitter @BrettLyons670.