Why the Chicago Bears Need to Pay Matt Forte

Matt Forte needs to be paid, and it needs to happen soon. If there was ever a time for the Chicago Bears to forget about the business side of the National Football League, now would be that time.

The Bears currently have Forte under contract for this season, and according to some recent news, it seems likely that they will be placing the franchise tag on him if they can’t reach a contractual agreement.

Before the season started, the two sides could not get a deal done, so now it rests on the shoulders of Bears GM Jerry Angelo to offer something new.

In my opinion, Matt Forte deserves more than a franchise tag. His contributions to his team are unmatched and he is the Chicago Bears offense. If the ball never touches his hands, they don’t win. It’s as simple as that. And with a brutal offense line, plagued with penalties, injuries and inexperience, it truly is amazing what he’s been able to accomplish so far this year.

Aside from being the most consistent player on offense, Matt Forte is also accounting for over 46 percent of the Bears' total yards this season. And if he keeps this up, it will be one for the record books. Unfortunately, the Bears' front office is only looking at this situation as a hazardous business investment, instead of a great way to reward their top player.

Forte is severely underpaid right now and everyone knows it. He knows it, his teammates know it, the fans know it and so does Jerry Angelo.

But instead of whining and complaining about the situation, Forte goes out there and gives them one more reason to pay him top dollar every single game. And that’s exactly why he needs this new contract and not a franchise tag.

The Bears haven’t had an offensive player that they can count on in years. In fact, Chicago has been deemed the place where “receivers go to die,” and one can make a strong case for quarterbacks, as well. And with Olin Kreutz’s public departure, the Bears organization isn’t exactly creating a friendly image of their relationship with players.

Fortunately, though, Jerry Angelo now has a chance to prove to the league that the Bears take care of their players. If they want to get more guys like Forte to come to Chicago, then Angelo needs to show everyone that talent doesn’t go to waste in the Windy City. He needs to make a statement with Forte’s contract. And it needs to be the right statement. Because this isn’t about business anymore—it’s about respect.

And, right now, I don’t think Matt Forte is getting that.