Matt Forte: Bears Should Ante Up, RB Being Paid Like Chris Johnson Is Playing

Why aren't the Bears calling a press-conference to announce the re-signing of all-world, all-purpose RB Matt Forte? Forte has accounted for almost 50 percent of the Bears offense and is on pace to become just the third player in NFL history to record 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.

You cannot let a player coming off that type of season get to free-agency. Forte is being paid 600K this season, the final year of his rookie contract. Why allow other teams to outbid you for a proven player?

It would be different if this were a case of a player turning it on for a contract year, but it isn't. Forte has been steady throughout his career, and he is only 25 and has had no major injuries.

The Bears will likely be in for a shakeup after this season as Lovie Smith contract is done after this season. New head coaches, mean changes.

Right now, there are four players on the Chicago Bears roster who should return next season, no matter what.

Jay Cutler

He is very talented, and the Bears are financially married to him. Players with franchise QB skills are the most rare in the game.

Julius Peppers

Ditto the Cutler financial commitment, but he also affects every single play he's on the field. He doesn't always make the play, but he must be accounted for, and that is valuable.

Gabe Carimi

Before he went down, the rookie tackle was beginning to show promise. The Bears cannot afford to lose any young able body on that offensive line

Last, of course, is Matt Forte. His versatility will fit into any scheme. So, even if the coach changes, Forte has shown the ability to be effective in any way a coach would want to use him.

If you don't believe me, let him into free-agency and watch how many teams scramble to find a place for him.