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- Aug 20, 2012
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Fellas,
I get it. Since this season is shaping up to be downright terrible, you're already thinking about ways we can improve. Whether you're a draft dork or a Madden Maven, the wheels are furiously spinning inside your head as you contemplate the value of a 5th round pick VS a 6th round pick.
I love you. You're a Bears fan and you want this team to win.
But when it comes to dismissing players via trade or having an all-out firesale, there is one Chicago Bear that should be protected from this.
There are certain players that can stand the test of time and endure multiple regime changes. So far, Matt Forte has done that. But how? It isn't because he's cheap or has been underpaid so what is it? It's because he's a PLAYER.
Matt is a force on the field and off it. What Matt does on the practice field, in the locker room and on his own personal time is what sets him apart. He does not get in trouble with the law. Nobody can say anything bad about him and he's been a positive role model and lockerroom leader. Why ship a guy like that away for PEANUTS when you are rebuilding? Is Matt incapable of adapting to a new philosophy or scheme? Of course not!
You cannot underestimate the power of keeping a player like Forte around through this rebuild. Rewarding him with his final contract will speak volumes to the rest of the league. You all know that we have ownership with the stigma that they are cheap and uncaring. Part of it is true, part of it is hyperbole but you cannot deny that EVERYONE knows about all of the bitching that former players do about us. From Olin to BU, Sayers and everyone in between. Having Forte retire a Bear will reap positive benefits. More vets will be willing to sign b/c we take care of our own.
To those that argue that Forte's best years are behind hopefully know that Forte is 2nd in the league in rushing. You've all seen the man-he's ripped. He will no doubt be in incredible shape year after year. His lack of injuries and playing style indicate to me that another three years will not be a problem. He's been playing GREAT this year so far with a shitty offense-once again.
Now, I am not a cap guru. Only at times like these do I miss db54, but according to this website (http://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space/ our Bears will have 57 million to spend next year. Does that include Jared Allen and Jay Cutler being gone? Surely, we can fit the salary of an aging, unproductive RB into that, right?
Demarco Murry is 27 years old and is coming off of almost 1900 yards rushing in 2014. He signed a contract for 18 million total guaranteed money this past offeseason. That is peanuts compared to years past. The NFL as a whole has been devaluing RB's for years now. So what makes any of us think that Matt Forte, who will be 30 years old in December, will command something higher than that? Is 15 million guaranteed too much money? I sure as hell don't think so. Not for a guy that has given us his all every year since we've drafted him and who is only behind Walter Payton in a ton of statistical records.
Matt Forte is a special player and person. What he's done for the city of Chicago through numerous shitty coaches, QB's and offensive line is simply amazing. Casting him aside for PEANUTS is a move only a criminal would make in my humble fucking opinion. Matt Forte should retire a Bear.
I get it. Since this season is shaping up to be downright terrible, you're already thinking about ways we can improve. Whether you're a draft dork or a Madden Maven, the wheels are furiously spinning inside your head as you contemplate the value of a 5th round pick VS a 6th round pick.
I love you. You're a Bears fan and you want this team to win.
But when it comes to dismissing players via trade or having an all-out firesale, there is one Chicago Bear that should be protected from this.
There are certain players that can stand the test of time and endure multiple regime changes. So far, Matt Forte has done that. But how? It isn't because he's cheap or has been underpaid so what is it? It's because he's a PLAYER.
Matt is a force on the field and off it. What Matt does on the practice field, in the locker room and on his own personal time is what sets him apart. He does not get in trouble with the law. Nobody can say anything bad about him and he's been a positive role model and lockerroom leader. Why ship a guy like that away for PEANUTS when you are rebuilding? Is Matt incapable of adapting to a new philosophy or scheme? Of course not!
You cannot underestimate the power of keeping a player like Forte around through this rebuild. Rewarding him with his final contract will speak volumes to the rest of the league. You all know that we have ownership with the stigma that they are cheap and uncaring. Part of it is true, part of it is hyperbole but you cannot deny that EVERYONE knows about all of the bitching that former players do about us. From Olin to BU, Sayers and everyone in between. Having Forte retire a Bear will reap positive benefits. More vets will be willing to sign b/c we take care of our own.
To those that argue that Forte's best years are behind hopefully know that Forte is 2nd in the league in rushing. You've all seen the man-he's ripped. He will no doubt be in incredible shape year after year. His lack of injuries and playing style indicate to me that another three years will not be a problem. He's been playing GREAT this year so far with a shitty offense-once again.
Now, I am not a cap guru. Only at times like these do I miss db54, but according to this website (http://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space/ our Bears will have 57 million to spend next year. Does that include Jared Allen and Jay Cutler being gone? Surely, we can fit the salary of an aging, unproductive RB into that, right?
Demarco Murry is 27 years old and is coming off of almost 1900 yards rushing in 2014. He signed a contract for 18 million total guaranteed money this past offeseason. That is peanuts compared to years past. The NFL as a whole has been devaluing RB's for years now. So what makes any of us think that Matt Forte, who will be 30 years old in December, will command something higher than that? Is 15 million guaranteed too much money? I sure as hell don't think so. Not for a guy that has given us his all every year since we've drafted him and who is only behind Walter Payton in a ton of statistical records.
Matt Forte is a special player and person. What he's done for the city of Chicago through numerous shitty coaches, QB's and offensive line is simply amazing. Casting him aside for PEANUTS is a move only a criminal would make in my humble fucking opinion. Matt Forte should retire a Bear.
