NFL Trade Rumors: Chicago Bears Would Be Crazy to Trade Matt Forte

Matt Forte is angling for a new contract but, unlike other players who decided a holdout was the best way to solve the problem, the star running back has continued to produce. And because of that, the Chicago Bears would be crazy to trade him barring an insane offer.

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk passed along the rumors of a possible trade:

"

It’s not exactly breaking news to say that Bears running back Matt Forte is still not happy about his contract.

But now Forte, inspired by a Chicago Tribune report that two teams have discussed acquiring him in a trade, is expressing even more confidence that he’ll get paid next year, whether it’s the Bears or someone else.

"

The Tulane product has been one of the league's most important players over the past four seasons, getting at least 288 touches in his first three seasons and is on pace to do so once again in 2011. You'll be hard pressed to find many non-quarterbacks with that much importance to an offense.

Despite Chicago's lack of enthusiasm in giving him a new contract before his rookie deal runs out, a quote from Forte in the report illustrates he has not ruled out returning to the team next season. As long as that's the case, a trade shouldn't even been considered.

Even though they've had an up-and-down start, the Bears are still playoff contenders and have a very manageable schedule during the season's final month. Nine wins is still well within reason, which would put them on the brink of a playoff berth.

It's akin to the Prince Fielder situation in MLB. The Milwaukee Brewers had to make a decision about the talent first baseman who, like Forte, is a free agent in the offseason. They decided to hold onto him and almost got a World Series trip out of it.

The Bears defense will need to improve if they want to make a Brewers-like run, though. The usually stout unit has allowed nearly 400 yards per game and hasn't been forcing enough turnovers.

But the focus today, with the deadline looming at 4 p.m. ET, is on Forte. It's no surprise teams are attempting to take advantage of a tense situation in Chicago, but the Bears have shown no signs of a willingness to deal him.

And that's the right decision. Now pay the man.