Matt Forte Contract Update: Forte Says Franchise Tag 'A Cheap Way To Go'

During an appearance on "Rome is Burning" on ESPN Friday afternoon, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte expressed his desire for a long-term extension with the team and said he thought it would be "cheap" of the Bears to apply the franchise tag:

"I don't want a one-year deal. I want a long-term extension. I think if they use the franchise tag that's kind of a cheap way to go out. That's not what I'm looking forward to. I want a long-term extension. I've been drafted by Chicago. I want to stay there so it's not something I'm looking forward to."

Should the Bears decide to apply the franchise tag, Forte would receive the average of the top five 2011 running back salaries for the 2012 season. The two sides agreed to shelve contract negotiations until after the season, though Forte has built up quite a bit of leverage with his performance to this point in the season. Forte is third in the NFL in rushing yardage and leads the league in yards from scrimmage.

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