Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons Why Matt Forte Needs To Be Re-Signed

The Bears recently decided to put a hold on the Matt Forte discussion.

I must say that is pretty stupid on the Bears' part.

The Bears have a franchise running back in their possession. The longer they wait, the closer they get to potentially losing him.

Jerry Angelo and the Chicago Bears must re-sign their star back. I know Forte is looking for Chris Johnson money, but the two need to make things happen before it is too late for both parties—as well as the fans.

He Is in His Prime

Can you name the last running back to switch teams during his prime?

Exactly—Matt Forte could potentially become the first.

Many great running backs have eventually changed teams, but never have they taken an extreme beating with their old team.

My point is that if the Bears manage to lose Forte, then what?

The Ravens are not going to let Ray Rice go, and Ryan Grant is no Matt Forte.

The Bears need to make this happen, simply because they would be at a huge loss without him.

He Can Run, and Catch Too

Matt Forte is a great running back, but many seem to look past the fact that he has great hands, too.

The Chicago Bears system under Mike Martz is heavy on the pass, so no other back fits better in the Bears system.

Forte's skills in the receiver department are just too valuable to be passed up on.

In three seasons, Forte has 171 receptions, 1,495 yards and seven touchdowns.

Those are pretty good numbers for a running back. The only guys with bigger numbers last year were Ray Rice, Arian Foster and LeSean McCoy.

Forte's receiving skill set is enough to make him a permanent fixture in the Bears offense for years to come.

Injury-Free

In Matt Forte's three years of play, he has never missed a game.

He has played every game since his first year as a rookie—which is pretty impressive in my book.

With the amount of hits running backs take, Forte has shown that he is as durable as they get.

It was actually quite a shock to me when I came across this fact, because I figured every back had taken a big enough hit to keep them out a game or two.

Forte has proven he deserves the money, and from the looks of it, he will definitely play for what the money is worth.

He Averages 1,000-Plus Yards a Season

If Matt Forte has proven anything, it is that he can move the ball.

Forte has rushed for an average of 1,080 yards a season.

On a team that relies heavily on the passing game, these numbers are pretty good for what the Bears need, especially considering their offensive line.

Could you imagine what Forte could do with actual blocking?

His 18 career rushing touchdowns are likely one of the things that make the Bears shy away from a huge contract, but Forte helps the Bears move the ball enough to deserve a new contract.

Kill the Drama

Could Forte potentially threaten to hold out, now that the Bears refuse to discuss a contract?

Not likely, since he needs to prove himself in a contract year.

But it certainly will be a focal point for the first few weeks—and perhaps the season.

If Forte starts playing great, and the Bears approach him with a contract, Forte may refuse because they had their chance.

This would certainly cause a stir-up in the locker room, one that a cool Lovie Smith would not be happy about.

The Bears are best to avoid a situation like this. Forte has proven himself, and the Bears must sign their guy now and keep him happy.

It would keep the fans happy, too.