Latest on Drew Brees, Matt Forte, and NFL's Biggest Contract Disputes

Drew Brees and Matt Forte are two big names who aren't seeing much progress in their contract disputes, but they aren't the only ones. 

There are a handful of NFL stars who have openly stated they aren't happy with the money they're set to receive in 2012. 

Here are the most recent updates on the most compelling contract standoffs. 

Drew Brees

UPDATE: On Sunday night ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Brees does not plan on attending the voluntary mini-camp scheduled for Monday morning.  

Brees hasn't given a definitive answer as to whether or not he'll attend the team's voluntary offseason program that starts this upcoming Monday. 

However, he did make a statement at a press conference for his charity golf tournament (from ESPN:)

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"We're continuing to work on a long-term deal," Brees told reporters at the La Costa Resort & Spa in California. When asked the same question several different ways, Brees responded with the same answer.

 

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The deadline for teams to sign franchise players to multi-year contracts is July 16th, so there's still plenty of time to go before one side is set to take a more firm stance. 

Given what they've gone through this offseason, you'd have to believe the Saints will do everything in their power to lock up the face of their franchise, a quarterback that's one of the most prolific in the NFL.

Matt Forte 

UPDATE: Forte isn't happy with the Bears and is expressing his distaste with the team by skipping team workouts on Monday according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Forte's labored through the longest contract dispute of anyone and despite getting hit with the franchise tag that will play him considerably more more in 2011, he wants a secure, long-term deal. 

In a recent ESPNChicago.com article, teammates Jay Cutler and Brian Urlacher gave their opinions on the entire situation and when they believe Forte will show up to the Bears' facilities. Cutler chimed in first: 

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"The word is that he's not going to be going, but that's just rumors," Cutler said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "I mean I don't know. 

"I know it's going to be hard for Matt not to be there. I think he's pretty disappointed about how things have gone, but at the same time this is business. It's business for both sides. The Bears have to do what's best for them in the long run, and Matt has to do what's best for him in the long run. I hope to see him at some point this summer. I know we're going to be putting in a lot of good things for him offensively. He's a smart guy. If he doesn't come in in training camp, I think he'll pick it up pretty quickly." 

 

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Urlacher echoed many of Cutler's sentiments, and isn't worried:

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"Michael Bush will get a lot of reps then if ’Matt's not there, and he'’ll get to know the offense," Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said. "Matt takes care of himself. He knows the offense, he’s a smart guy, he’s always in shape. He’s the least of my concerns. He’ll be at training camp when he needs to be. Either way, he’ll be there."  

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Running backs have much shorter shelf lives than any other position in football, but Forte has been the life force of Chicago's offense during the last two seasons. 

This is easily the most interesting contract battle to watch because the Bears know how important Forte is, but have brought in Bush as a possible replacement and probably don't want to pay Forte Adrian Peterson money. 

Who will break first?

Ray Rice 

Ray Rice won't report to offseason workouts without a new deal in place, according to the sources of Scout.com's Aaron Wilson.

Here's a quick excerpt from that article:

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"I look forward to being there," Rice told the Ravens' official website when asked today in New York about whether he'll attend offseason workouts.

Rice has been consistent in taking the high road when it comes to the negotiations, but sources emphasized that the versatile star runner has no plans to attend offseason workouts until a contract has been finalized. 

Rice also said: "I think progress is being made, but I know things don't happen overnight," adding: "If they want to get a deal done, we'll get a deal done."

 

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Rice led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage last season, and caught a whopping 76 passes out of the backfield. 

He didn't miss any games, and to me, is the most versatile back in the game.

I'd be stunned if the Ravens, a team that's historically locked up their franchise players, doesn't give Rice the multi-year deal he wants.  

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