The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... The Bears won't acknowledge it publicly or privately but want to protect themselves from arthritis setting in and becoming a chronic problem for Forte, the fifth-year running back with 1,237 career NFL touches who turns 27 in December. In the NFL, data show running backs start declining after age 28.
Diehards Line:Those realities have made the Bears reluctant to meet Forte's demands for the contract he seeks believed to be worth more in overall value and guarantees than LeSean McCoy's recent deal (five-year, $45 million with $20.8 million in guarantees). According to Tribune staffer David Haugh, the team's concerns don't necessarily mean both sides cannot find middle ground before the July 16 deadline to agree to a contract. ... Meanwhile, Haugh went on to note the Bears all but announced this week they now think they are a passing team. Per Haugh: "Nothing about OC Mike Tice's newly installed Broncos-styled offense made anybody conclude it needs a marquee RB. So, despite Pro Bowl-caliber productivity in 2011, it appears Forte picked the worst offseason to gauge his worth to a Bears offense in transition and the RB's value remains a source of debate and contention. ..." Stay tuned. It still looks very much like this one is going to get uglier before it gets resolved.