The Facts:
Following up on the
ongoing story. ... This year's offseason workouts begin next Monday and the Bears will be without Forte for the sessions if he does not sign the tender he received as the team’s franchise player or a long-term contract is not worked out. To this point, there’s been no sign of progress.
Reported by the Chicago Tribune
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
As Tribune staffer Brad Biggs suggests, that’s not necessarily a reason to fret. This round of workouts is voluntary. The only mandatory period for them is one full-squad mini-camp. The Bears have not announced it, but Biggs reports their mini-camp will be held in early June, about two months from now. Forte cannot attend that either if he’s not signed, so it’s only “mandatory” for players under contract. Biggs went on to remind readers that without an offseason program last year, Forte reported to training camp in the best shape of his career. He then enjoyed the best season of his career until a minor knee sprain in Week 13 put him on the shelf. Forte led the NFL in yards from scrimmage at the time of his injury, and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. He also led the team with 52 receptions -- 15 more than any other player. Although the Bears have changed OCs, Mike Tice has said nothing will change in regard to the running game, how it’s blocked or anything like that. So, it’s not like any missed time this spring will put Forte behind the rest of the offense, including new RB Michael Bush. The key date is July 16. That is the deadline for the Bears to reach a multi-year agreement with Forte. If no deal is in place by then, he has to play 2012 for the franchise tag amount ($7.42 million). So, a holdout after that date might show the team how upset he is, but it’s not going to result in any negotiating leverage for him.
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