Matt Forte has read all of the rumors regarding his future with the Chicago Bears and addressed the speculation on Twitter earlier in the offseason. So when the running back was nowhere to be found at the start of voluntary minicamps, it was perceived that Forte was trying to send a message to the Bears regarding the final year of his contract and the idea that the team would trade. Once again, Forte has been forced to speak out and deny the rumors.
The Chicago Sun Times reported that both Forte and Martellus Bennett were both absent from team workouts and many believe it is due to unhappiness over their contract statuses. Forte is entering the final year of his contract and the veteran made it clear that while he intends to play for the Bears for his entire career, the team must want the same thing. However, he is speaking out and saying his absence has nothing to do with ill will towards the franchise.
"It's time to set the record straight, Forte said in a statement posted on Instagram. "If the Bears want to give me a contract ext. they will; if they don't they won't. I'm not mad or holding a grudge. I don't operate like that."
The Chicago Bears have reportedly been toying with a trade of the running back knowing his value in the league. Despite turning 30 in December, Forte has been a workhorse for the franchise. He has 7,704 rushing yards, 3,727 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns in seven seasons with the team. However, his age is the main issue. Forte is expected to command a larger contract next year and the Bears will be very reluctant to give him a lengthy deal. Instead of risking losing Forte for nothing in return, the team has considered a trade.
The Bears have been linked to a lot of trades this offseason and likely none of them will come true. According to the Chicago Tribune, Jay Cutler is not headed anywhere despite reports that the Bears were shopping the quarterback to the Tennessee Titans for Marcus Mariota. If the Bears draft a quarterback, it might not be until a later round where players like Brett Hundley, Bryce Petty and Garrett Grayson will be in play.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network believes the best draft pick in the first round for the Bears will be a wide receiver. Making their first pick at No. 7, the Bears might be just out of reach of Amari Cooper or Kevin White, but could easily land DeVante Parker who is the third best option. After dealing away Brandon Marshall, getting an elite player to run alongside Alshon Jeffery is crucial.
