When Matt Forte was franchised by the Chicago Bears, he wasn't too happy about it but said he would play. However, by the time training camp starts, it appears that Forte will have a new long-term contract with the Bears.
The Chicago Bears running back is "extremely close" to a long-term deal with the team, NFL Network's Michael Lombardi reported Saturday, citing a source with knowledge of the situation.
Forte said Friday he planned to spend this weekend on phone with Chicago's front office, amid reports the sides had made "considerable progress."
Forte is set to enter the 2012 season at 26 years old. He ran for 997 yards in 12 games for the Bears last season. It was the first time in his career that he didn't play a full 16 games.
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