The seemingly eternal contract dispute between the Chicago Bears and star running back Matt Forte ended just before a Monday afternoon deadline that would have sentenced the running back to a season of playing under the one-year franchise tag. The two sides did the sensible thing and met in the middle: Forte will earn $18 million in guaranteed money in a four-year, $32 million contract. The team had previously been offering $15 million guaranteed as the running back held out for $20 million.

The end of the stalemate is certainly a relief to every interested party. As the news broke that Forte had finally agreed to a deal, several Bears players took to Twitter to congratulate their teammate.

Yes!!!! Congrats to matt forte. So happy for my man and his new contract. Well deserved. Play ball!

— lance briggs (@55Berger) July 16, 2012

@MattForte22 If reports are true, thank god, now I don't have to answer questions about you anymore.

— Patrick Mannelly (@PatrickMannelly) July 16, 2012

just what I was thinking!!! "@Willwright34: @TylerClutts44 @mattforte22 Tyler now it's time to start this super bowl run #Bears"

— Tyler Clutts (@TylerClutts44) July 16, 2012

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