The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Forte's agent Adisa Bakari was in Chicago for multiple days last week but it's unknown if he conducted any negotiations with GM Phil Emery. There have been no signs of progress between the parties.

Diehards Line:Meanwhile, Tribune staffer Brad Biggs advised readers if there is one thing that will not get in the way of a long-term contract for Forte, it is the salary cap. The Chicago Bears have more than enough room to sign the Pro Bowl running back to a multi-year extension -- and have remaining cap space to conduct business as needed leading up to and through the 2012 season. After signing their six-man draft class, the Bears have $3.81 million in remaining cap space. Forte's salary-cap figure of $7.742 million from the franchise tag is already factored into the club's space even though he has yet to sign the one-year tender. Biggs went on to note the Bears could sign Forte, 26, to a deal that would even lower that salary-cap figure from $7.742 million for 2012, meaning the surplus of $3.81 million would then grow by a little bit. Of course, that's only if the two sides can carve out some common ground and make a deal. ... Stay tuned.