The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... In an appearance broadcast Thursday night on NFL Network, Forte said he's not aiming to be the highest-paid RB in the league, although few probably believed that was the case anyway. "I just want to be given a contract where I rank among some of the top running backs," Forte said. "Not the top paid or anything like that. I just want to be recognized as one of the best."

Diehards Line:Under terms of the franchise tag, he would earn $7.742 million this season. Obviously, a multi-year deal would guarantee him significantly more. After signing their draft class, the Bears had roughly $3.81 million in remaining cap room meaning there is ample space to get a deal done if the club finds one that suits its desires. "It's unfortunate that the organization (can) treat it as a business, when the player does he gets frowned upon," Forte said. "But you have to make do with what's best for you and your family. All my teammates know I'm going to be there for them and give them the best in my heart out there on the field. ..." Meanwhile, the two sides are down to 39 days to hammer out a long-term contract or it'll be the one-year tender. We'll continue watching for more.