Forte and Bears extremely close on contract

Matt Forte has been a beast for the Chicago Bears. A second-round pick in the 2008 draft, he’s become one of the best running backs in the league.

And, he’d like to be paid like it. He has yet to sign his franchise tender of $7.749 for the coming year, but the two sides appear close to agreeing on a contract.

In fact, league sources tell NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi that the team is “extremely close” to signing Forte to a long-term deal. They have until Monday to do so.

At this point, based on all the reports, one would have to think that this deal will get done. The Bears simply can’t afford to lose him.