Chicago Bears Offseason 2012

[jersey cubs fan]

So do I. Must be booze left in the system from last night.

[Soul]

What I most understand from Matt Forte is that he was a little miffed last night so he tweeted it.

 

Then the media picks it up and it becomes a huge deal. Before twitter there were probably many guys who were, for a short time, upset and then came down from it. The public would never have known.

 

But now we get to hear it out in the open and turns into a huge story. I'll just wait for a while to see if it really means anything.

[Banedon]

What I most understand from Matt Forte is that he was a little miffed last night so he tweeted it.

 

Then the media picks it up and it becomes a huge deal. Before twitter there were probably many guys who were, for a short time, upset and then came down from it. The public would never have known.

 

But now we get to hear it out in the open and turns into a huge story. I'll just wait for a while to see if it really means anything.

 

His agent regurgitated the same spiel though.

[jersey cubs fan]

What I most understand from Matt Forte is that he was a little miffed last night so he tweeted it.

 

Then the media picks it up and it becomes a huge deal. Before twitter there were probably many guys who were, for a short time, upset and then came down from it. The public would never have known.

 

But now we get to hear it out in the open and turns into a huge story. I'll just wait for a while to see if it really means anything.

 

His agent regurgitated the same spiel though.

 

He also toned down his tweet but then basically reiterated the same feelings. Matt has been trying to negotiate through the media and with the fans this whole time. He's seen those stupid "pay him" signs at the stadium and he's read (plus probably planted) all those "pay him" columns in the papers. Twitter or not twitter we would know where Forte stands because his entire stance has been to try and play up the "Bears are mistreating him" storyline. He has no other leg to stand on in negotiations.

[rawaction]

I love the idea of signing a backup RB being "disrespectful".

 

Forte has done a ton for this team, yet every single offseason the Bears have brought in a FA RB and paid him more money. Bringing in Kevin Jones when Forte was a rookie was a non-issue. Paying a bunch of money to Chester Taylor was understandable after Forte came off a down year after 2 years of a lot of touches. Bringing in Marion Barber to do short-yardage was a little slap in the face, but something Forte could overlook. Now they brought in a 4th RB in 4 years. Bush is guaranteed 7 Mil. Forte is only guaranteed 7.7Mil. Sure it's a lot of money, but this is the NFL. Forte blows out his knee this year, it's likely he'll never seen 7.7Mil the rest of his career. Disrespectful is too strong of a word that gets thrown out too much by athletes, but it is a slap in the face when your team keeps paying guys off the street more money than you are making at your same position.

 

Complete nonsense.

 

He signed his rookie free agent and these are the rules collectively bargained for. If he was a street free agent he would get a market rate contract, but he is not a street free agent. Those guys were free to sign with anybody and the Bears were the ones that signed them. Forte has been treated perfectly fine by this franchise. They ofference a crap ton of money and he wanted more so he didn't accept all of that money. That's on him.

 

OK. He's not a street FA, but neither were Foster, Lynch, etc. The guys the Bears have brought in have been street FAs, and the issue isn't 1 or 2 guys getting paid more than him. The heart of the issue is that now he feels he is due for a big pay day and the team is paying other people at his position.

 

Again, I'm taking this from Forte's point of view. People are coming down on him for not accepting his 7.7Mil for this year and being happy with it. If I know RBs have a short shelf-life...and you know RBs have a short shelf-life, Matt Forte knows it. And he's perfectly in the right to feel he deserves to be guaranteed money beyond this season because what he has done for the team. I know the rules are in place, he is getting very fairly compensated this year, and you don't pay for past performance. But he greatly outperformed his rookie contract. The FA market dictated that RBs of his caliber (Lynch, Williams, Foster) get 17-20 Mil guaranteed. From all indications, the Bears have not offered him that. From Forte's point of view, that has to feel like a slap in the face. And again, I never said the Bears should NOT have slapped him in the face. But bottom line, Forte's complaints are not unwarrented or unjustified.

[Guest]

If you can get a 1st rounder for Forte, you absolutely have to.

 

I'm not sure why minnesota finds the running backs age quicker than positions suspicious.

[Soul]

If you can get a 1st rounder for Forte, you absolutely have to.

 

No question.

[Soul]

Does anyone know how much we offered Matt? Surely it was more than $7million in guarantees.

[jersey cubs fan]

Again, I'm taking this from Forte's point of view. People are coming down on him for not accepting his 7.7Mil for this year and being happy with it.

 

No they aren't. People are coming down on him for being a little bitch and pretending the Bears haven't tried to sign him to an extension that guarantees him a heck of a lot of money. It's not about disrespect, taking advantage or unfairness. It's about money. The Bears offered a lot of money and he wanted more. It's not like the Bears have never expressed interest in paying anything but the franchise number for one year.

[Banedon]

And I don't begrudge him for holding out if that's what he wants to do. It's his right, and part of the NFL negotiation process, like it or not. My problem at this point is that he's acting like he's being wronged by having a 2nd competent RB. Ridiculous.

[jersey cubs fan]

But bottom line, Forte's complaints are not unwarrented or unjustified.

 

They are completely unwarrented and unjustified. The Bears drafted Matt Forte and signed him to a rookie contract. They have also signed free agents to help carry the load in part so that Forte wouldn't be running the ball 300 times a year. They would be negligent if they didn't bring in free agents. The Bears are in the middle of an offseason where they are trying to significantly add to the offense. They are in the middle of free agency season and guys are coming off the board everyday. What Forte seems to be suggesting is that the Bears shouldn't address needs and shouldn't sign free agents until they come to an agreement on his contract first. They should put their pursuits of free agents on hold because he is more important. They should agree to his demands today, four months before the deadline to sign him to an extension, rather than try and improve the team.

[rawaction]

Again, I'm taking this from Forte's point of view. People are coming down on him for not accepting his 7.7Mil for this year and being happy with it.

 

No they aren't. People are coming down on him for being a little bitch and pretending the Bears haven't tried to sign him to an extension that guarantees him a heck of a lot of money. It's not about disrespect, taking advantage or unfairness. It's about money. The Bears offered a lot of money and he wanted more. It's not like the Bears have never expressed interest in paying anything but the franchise number for one year.

 

We know with the Lynch, Williams, Johnson, and Foster long-term contracts what the market for Forte is. 17-20Mil guaranteed. We can assume that is what is being considered "fair market value" for Forte. If he would have been offered that, he would have a long-term deal right now. The fact that he doesn't means that YES the Bears HAVE tried, but they haven't tried to sign him to a fair value.

[Theo]

Again, I'm taking this from Forte's point of view. People are coming down on him for not accepting his 7.7Mil for this year and being happy with it.

 

No they aren't. People are coming down on him for being a little bitch and pretending the Bears haven't tried to sign him to an extension that guarantees him a heck of a lot of money..

 

And those people are morons. The fact that "Bob from Cicero" makes only 45K a year has nothing to do with this situation. Now I fully agree with the Bears strategy, I would not overpay for a running back in today's NFL. That said, I do understand Forte's frustration. If he was an UDFA on the market, he could easily get over 20 million guaranteed. He's upset and just venting on twitter, I'd say it's premature to call him a bitch considering he's never even held out.

[Theo]

Is Forte holding press conferences bashing the Bears? Is he creating a distraction in the locker room? Did he create a distraction in the locker room last year? No he didn't. By all accounts, he's a great teammate. He's just pissed now, like everyone in this board has been when they didn't think they got a big enough raise or promotion. Again, the meatballs need to stop with the stupid cliches "He should be happy with this money in this economy" He isn't your average Joe, and he's watching opportunities to make generational wealth go out the window.(the difference between earning millions and tens and tens of millions). If him bitching on twitter really offends you as a fan, then you are just obtuse.

[rawaction]

But bottom line, Forte's complaints are not unwarrented or unjustified.

 

They are completely unwarrented and unjustified. The Bears drafted Matt Forte and signed him to a rookie contract. They have also signed free agents to help carry the load in part so that Forte wouldn't be running the ball 300 times a year. They would be negligent if they didn't bring in free agents. The Bears are in the middle of an offseason where they are trying to significantly add to the offense. They are in the middle of free agency season and guys are coming off the board everyday. What Forte seems to be suggesting is that the Bears shouldn't address needs and shouldn't sign free agents until they come to an agreement on his contract first. They should put their pursuits of free agents on hold because he is more important. They should agree to his demands today, four months before the deadline to sign him to an extension, rather than try and improve the team.

 

They could draft a RB. Bring in UDFAs. Hell, I don't see what was wrong with Khalil Bell? Why can't he be a #2? And Marion Barber is still on the roster. He did a fine job last year other than 2 plays.

[Guest]

Is Forte holding press conferences bashing the Bears? Is he creating a distraction in the locker room? Did he create a distraction in the locker room last year? No he didn't. By all accounts, he's a great teammate. He's just pissed now, like everyone in this board has been when they didn't think they got a big enough raise or promotion. Again, the meatballs need to stop with the stupid cliches "He should be happy with this money in this economy" He isn't your average Joe, and he's watching opportunities to make generational wealth go out the window.(the difference between earning millions and tens and tens of millions). If him bitching on twitter really offends you as a fan, then you are just obtuse.

 

It has nothing to do with the economy or what Joe Smith makes.

 

Smart teams don't invest significant money in that position. Period.

 

 

And the only remote exception would be for someone like Peterson.

[Banedon]

But bottom line, Forte's complaints are not unwarrented or unjustified.

 

They are completely unwarrented and unjustified. The Bears drafted Matt Forte and signed him to a rookie contract. They have also signed free agents to help carry the load in part so that Forte wouldn't be running the ball 300 times a year. They would be negligent if they didn't bring in free agents. The Bears are in the middle of an offseason where they are trying to significantly add to the offense. They are in the middle of free agency season and guys are coming off the board everyday. What Forte seems to be suggesting is that the Bears shouldn't address needs and shouldn't sign free agents until they come to an agreement on his contract first. They should put their pursuits of free agents on hold because he is more important. They should agree to his demands today, four months before the deadline to sign him to an extension, rather than try and improve the team.

 

They could draft a RB. Bring in UDFAs. Hell, I don't see what was wrong with Khalil Bell? Why can't he be a #2? And Marion Barber is still on the roster. He did a fine job last year other than 2 plays.

 

I really think they'll trade Forte at this point, because like you said...Bell and Barber actually were fine last year, with Barber's 2 play exception. I think the Bears just flat out don't want to pay premium RB price.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Then we better draft a rb. Bush is a nice #2, but I like him far less as a #1

[Theo]

1) Why are we trading Forte already?

2) Bell and Barber fine? What the.....I must have been dreaming when Barber pissed away two games with his stupidity, and Bell fumbled the football every other attempt.

 

Is there no middle ground? Yeah, I don't think the Bears should break the bank for Forte, that said he isn't just replaceable like that either.

[Magnetic Curses]

Again, I'm taking this from Forte's point of view. People are coming down on him for not accepting his 7.7Mil for this year and being happy with it.

 

No they aren't. People are coming down on him for being a little bitch and pretending the Bears haven't tried to sign him to an extension that guarantees him a heck of a lot of money. It's not about disrespect, taking advantage or unfairness. It's about money. The Bears offered a lot of money and he wanted more. It's not like the Bears have never expressed interest in paying anything but the franchise number for one year.

 

We know with the Lynch, Williams, Johnson, and Foster long-term contracts what the market for Forte is. 17-20Mil guaranteed. We can assume that is what is being considered "fair market value" for Forte. If he would have been offered that, he would have a long-term deal right now. The fact that he doesn't means that YES the Bears HAVE tried, but they haven't tried to sign him to a fair value.

 

they don't have to sign him at "fair market value" if they don't want to. if they don't value him, why should they pay big money for him? that's idiotic to pay someone simply to pay them or out of some sense of fairness.

 

if they thought he was a must-keep player, they would have signed him long ago on his terms.

[minnesotacubsfan]

If you can get a 1st rounder for Forte, you absolutely have to.

 

I'm not sure why minnesota finds the running backs age quicker than positions suspicious.

we won't get a 1st rd pick for him, but yes you do that deal all day.

 

It's how the "running backs age faster so devalue them" that I find suspicious. HOW much faster do they age?

[Magnetic Curses]

Then we better draft a rb. Bush is a nice #2, but I like him far less as a #1

 

no. bush and bell would be fine in tandem with a late-round rookie to back them up or push them.

[ctcf]

But bottom line, Forte's complaints are not unwarrented or unjustified.

 

They are completely unwarrented and unjustified. The Bears drafted Matt Forte and signed him to a rookie contract. They have also signed free agents to help carry the load in part so that Forte wouldn't be running the ball 300 times a year. They would be negligent if they didn't bring in free agents. The Bears are in the middle of an offseason where they are trying to significantly add to the offense. They are in the middle of free agency season and guys are coming off the board everyday. What Forte seems to be suggesting is that the Bears shouldn't address needs and shouldn't sign free agents until they come to an agreement on his contract first. They should put their pursuits of free agents on hold because he is more important. They should agree to his demands today, four months before the deadline to sign him to an extension, rather than try and improve the team.

 

They could draft a RB. Bring in UDFAs. Hell, I don't see what was wrong with Khalil Bell? Why can't he be a #2? And Marion Barber is still on the roster. He did a fine job last year other than 2 plays.

 

I really think they'll trade Forte at this point, because like you said...Bell and Barber actually were fine last year, with Barber's 2 play exception. I think the Bears just flat out don't want to pay premium RB price.

 

I agree with Jersey here. I think Forte has handled this horribly so far and should have taken the deal the Bears offered him. Now he's pissed because he has next to know leverage and portraying himself as the victim. So sorry Matt, but good guys do finish last when they make poor business decisions.

 

That said, I'd be thrilled if the Bears could trade him for some quality draft picks, but I'm not sure I see that happening. Maybe I'm just too jaded from Jerry Angelo's tenure, but I'd be shocked if they made a move like that.

[Magnetic Curses]

If you can get a 1st rounder for Forte, you absolutely have to.

 

I'm not sure why minnesota finds the running backs age quicker than positions suspicious.

we won't get a 1st rd pick for him, but yes you do that deal all day.

 

It's how the "running backs age faster so devalue them" that I find suspicious. HOW much faster do they age?

 

they don't necessarily age faster but they have a shorter shelf-life.

 

not only that, but the difference between an average running back and a very good running back is not nearly as great as the gap between receivers or quarterbacks.

[Theo]

But bottom line, Forte's complaints are not unwarrented or unjustified.

 

They are completely unwarrented and unjustified. The Bears drafted Matt Forte and signed him to a rookie contract. They have also signed free agents to help carry the load in part so that Forte wouldn't be running the ball 300 times a year. They would be negligent if they didn't bring in free agents. The Bears are in the middle of an offseason where they are trying to significantly add to the offense. They are in the middle of free agency season and guys are coming off the board everyday. What Forte seems to be suggesting is that the Bears shouldn't address needs and shouldn't sign free agents until they come to an agreement on his contract first. They should put their pursuits of free agents on hold because he is more important. They should agree to his demands today, four months before the deadline to sign him to an extension, rather than try and improve the team.

 

They could draft a RB. Bring in UDFAs. Hell, I don't see what was wrong with Khalil Bell? Why can't he be a #2? And Marion Barber is still on the roster. He did a fine job last year other than 2 plays.

 

I really think they'll trade Forte at this point, because like you said...Bell and Barber actually were fine last year, with Barber's 2 play exception. I think the Bears just flat out don't want to pay premium RB price.

 

I agree with Jersey here. I think Forte has handled this horribly so far and should have taken the deal the Bears offered him. Now he's pissed because he has next to know leverage and portraying himself as the victim. So sorry Matt, but good guys do finish last when they make poor business decisions.

 

That said, I'd be thrilled if the Bears could trade him for some quality draft picks, but I'm not sure I see that happening. Maybe I'm just too jaded from Jerry Angelo's tenure, but I'd be shocked if they made a move like that.

 

That's nonsense, he shouldn't have to take a deal if he feels it's well below his market value. It's his personal decision. An handle this horribly? Get back to me when he is holding out or causing trouble in the locker room.