Matt Forte and the 5 Most Disgruntled NFL Players Heading into 2012 Season

With the 2012 NFL Draft roughly a month away, pro football's offseason has been quite busy—aside from the combine, pro days and the ever-changing mock draft's.

We're going to see a lot of players in new uniforms and for the most part, expectations have been increased. However, much like business and life in general, the NFL and its franchises can't please everyone, everywhere all the time (take the lockout for example).

To that end, here are the most disgruntled players heading into the 2012 season.

Matt Forte

According to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears signed running back Michael Bush earlier this week: "On Thursday, the Bears announced the signing of Michael Bush to a four-year deal, one that’s worth $14 million, including $7 million guaranteed."

As one might expect, current Bears running back Matt Forte was not pleased, via his twitter account:

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There's only so many times a man that has done everything he's been asked to do can be disrespected! Guess the GOOD GUYS do finish last....

—Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 22, 2012"

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Forte, though, does have plenty a reasons not to be happy with Chicago's signing. After all; the man has averaged over 1,500 total yards per season in four years, while also accounting for 29 total touchdowns.

Since his rookie season in 2008, Forte has basically been the Bears entire offense and defenses still have yet to shut him down. Unfortunately, his 2011 campaign was cut short, but nevertheless, he's easily one of the better complete, every down backs in the game.

Bush on the other hand, amassed almost 1,400 total yards for the Raiders in 2011 and is another solid dual-threat back. Together, he and Forte would be great for the Chicago offense and present arguably the best two-back tandem in the league.

However, it remains to be seen if that actually occurs.

Drew Brees

First, Drew Brees turned down a big offer from the Saints before 2011 even began.

Then in early March, Brees was franchise tagged and the Saints were not able to re-sign guard Carl Nicks or receiver Robert Meachem.

They did, however, sign Ben Grubbs from Baltimore as a solid replacement for Nicks. Still, Brees lost one of his better receivers and because of the "Bounty-Gate" scandal, will have to play the 2012 season without some of his coaches.

According to Doug Tatum of the Times-Picayune, Payton is out for the year:

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Saints Head Coach Sean Payton is suspended without pay for the 2012 NFL season, effective April 1.

Saints assistant Head Coach Joe Vitt is suspended without pay for the first six regular-season games of the 2012 season.

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Even worse for the Saints, Brees has yet to sign the franchise tag and in an article by Peter Finney of the Times-Picayune, Finney wants Brees to take on other roles in 2012:

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You can't wait, Saints owner Tom Benson. You've already wasted too much time. Sit down with quarterback Drew Brees. Sign him to a new contract. Right now.

Make him head coach and general manager of the Saints, at least for the 2012 season, while you try to recover from Bounty-gate.

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All things considered and after what has occurred to this point, regardless of what Brees does, 2012 will be beyond disgruntling.

Mark Sanchez

After all the criticism that Mark Sanchez has endured since becoming the No. 5 overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft until now, the addition of Tim Tebow only puts him on thinner ice.

According to ESPN, the Tebow trade got done on Wednesday, however, Sanchez was given a contract extension earlier this month.

That said, Sanchez didn't finish the 2011 campaign on a high note, and took some good heat thereafter.

With five touchdowns to seven picks and a 58.03 completion percentage in the final three games (all losses), it's no surprise that Sanchez was scrutinized the NFL world over.

The Jets finished 8-8 and had losses to non-playoff teams in Oakland, Philadelphia and Miami. After making two consecutive AFC Championship games, clearly the expectations are high.

Now include Tim Tebow in the mix; and can you imagine if Sanchez begins the 2012 season similar to the way he finished 2011? Much like Broncos fans did, Jets fans will be calling for Tebow to takeover.

Lest we forget, Tebow did best Gang Green last season and it was also a pick-six thrown by Sanchez that played a major role in Denver's victory.

And, for as big as Tebowmania got in the Mile High City, it can hit an unimaginable level in the world's largest market.

Reggie Bush

When the 2011 season ended, the Miami Dolphins were positioned quite well to make some noise in the 2012 season.

Fast-forward to late March and it appears all has been for naught. Reggie Bush ran for over 500 yards in the final four games, thus proving that he has potential to develop even more as a complete and every-down running back.

Now, Bush is the lone threat in Miami's offense as Brandon Marshall was traded away, and the Dolphins were not able to land any of the quarterbacks they sought after.

Yes, Matt Moore deserves a chance to be the full-time starter in 2012, however, trying to bring in another quarterback doesn't show much confidence in him. Although David Garrard was signed earlier this week, the man is 34 years old and sat out all of last season.

Fortunately for Bush, the Dolphins do hold the No. 8 overall pick in the draft. However, even if Miami decides to take Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, he has durability concerns.

So, Bush gets to continue playing running back, but will either have a rookie quarterback or Moore at the helm instead of someone considered to be better, and without Marshall.

I bet he's thrilled.

Cedric Benson

Earlier this week the Cincinnati Bengals signed running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis to the squad, according to Paul Dehner of CBS Sports.

This, unfortunately for Cedric Benson, means that he'll likely be on the move next season; that is, if Benson wants to continue rolling as a potential No. 1 ball-carrier.

And, although Benson will be turning that coveted running back age of 30 toward the end of the upcoming season, his recent production is worth a look.

The past three seasons, Benson ran over 1,000 yards, averaged over 1,100 yards and scored 19 rushing touchdowns. His career may have gotten off to a disappointing start with the Chicago Bears from 2005-2007, but Benson has greatly improved since.

As a No. 1 back, Cedric can provide another solid two or three years. Obviously, as he gets older becoming a No. 2 back and/or taking on a more specific situation role will happen. Still, his recent consistency and production shouldn't go overlooked.

John Rozum on Twitter.