Thread: RUMOR LaConfora: Matt Forte to Sign

Bush is just a hedge and the only reason they're even talking to him is to encourage Forte to sign. We cut Barber so it's not like there's no place for him.

This is from this morning's Trib.




Bears pursuing Bush to provide RB depth

Michael Bush splits the Bears' defense and dives for the goal line during Oakland's victory last November. (Chris Sweda/Tribune Photo)

By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter 12:58 p.m. CDT, March 14, 2012


Veteran running back Michael Bush is visiting the Chicago Bears on Wednesday, and signing him would provide considerable insurance in case a long-term deal does not materialize for Matt Forte.

Bush is perhaps the top free agent available at his position. He rushed for a career-high 977 yards last season with the Oakland Raiders, playing in all 16 games and making nine starts with Darren McFadden sidelined by injuries for much of the year.

Why would the Bears pursue a 27-year-old back with Forte in place and franchise-tagged for this season at $7.7 million? For starters, it’s becoming evident that Marion Barber’s days with the team are numbered. Even though Barber remains on the roster, the Bears would save $2 million against the salary cap by cutting him.

Having Bush in place would give the Bears protection if Forte were to stage a holdout. A multiyear deal for Bush, perhaps one that includes incentives for performance, also would give the Bears protection if they decide to part with Forte after this season. There has been no breakthrough on a long-term deal.

General manager Phil Emery knows Bush well as the Raiders played his former team the Kansas City Chiefs twice per season. The 6-1, 245-pound Bush is a physical runner between the tackles and likely has more remaining in his career than Barber.

The Bears have a third option in Kahlil Bell, whom they tendered at the low level as a restricted free agent. But judging by how the Bears have now set up their depth chart at quarterback -- Jason Campbell and Josh McCown are backing Jay Cutler -- the team is looking for increased depth.

Bush also has drawn interest from the Cincinnati Bengals, who are looking to replace Cedric Benson as their starter. They could have a greater need than the Bears and might be prompted to pay more money. Bush is from Louisville, which is not far from Cincinnati.

But the Bears are getting the first look at Bush, and it’s signaling that Emery is intent on finding proven players to build depth.

bmbiggs@tribune.com

Twitter @BradBiggs

This is from this morning's Trib.




Bears pursuing Bush to provide RB depth

Michael Bush splits the Bears' defense and dives for the goal line during Oakland's victory last November. (Chris Sweda/Tribune Photo)

By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter 12:58 p.m. CDT, March 14, 2012


Veteran running back Michael Bush is visiting the Chicago Bears on Wednesday, and signing him would provide considerable insurance in case a long-term deal does not materialize for Matt Forte.

Bush is perhaps the top free agent available at his position. He rushed for a career-high 977 yards last season with the Oakland Raiders, playing in all 16 games and making nine starts with Darren McFadden sidelined by injuries for much of the year.

Why would the Bears pursue a 27-year-old back with Forte in place and franchise-tagged for this season at $7.7 million? For starters, it’s becoming evident that Marion Barber’s days with the team are numbered. Even though Barber remains on the roster, the Bears would save $2 million against the salary cap by cutting him.

Having Bush in place would give the Bears protection if Forte were to stage a holdout. A multiyear deal for Bush, perhaps one that includes incentives for performance, also would give the Bears protection if they decide to part with Forte after this season. There has been no breakthrough on a long-term deal.

General manager Phil Emery knows Bush well as the Raiders played his former team the Kansas City Chiefs twice per season. The 6-1, 245-pound Bush is a physical runner between the tackles and likely has more remaining in his career than Barber.

The Bears have a third option in Kahlil Bell, whom they tendered at the low level as a restricted free agent. But judging by how the Bears have now set up their depth chart at quarterback -- Jason Campbell and Josh McCown are backing Jay Cutler -- the team is looking for increased depth.

Bush also has drawn interest from the Cincinnati Bengals, who are looking to replace Cedric Benson as their starter. They could have a greater need than the Bears and might be prompted to pay more money. Bush is from Louisville, which is not far from Cincinnati.

But the Bears are getting the first look at Bush, and it’s signaling that Emery is intent on finding proven players to build depth.

bmbiggs@tribune.com

Twitter @BradBiggs

Damn it, Phil. We DON'T need to add a RB! Keep the damn money and spend it on a OL/DL/LB/CB etc. -_-

Not getting Forte signed may be costing us as much as $3 mil worth of cap space that could be used on Okoye, Davis, or outside FA positions. Not certain what the hold up is. The market for starting RB's of his caliber has been established and re-established again. If we're not gonna sign him then trade him for a 1st and a 3rd round pick and then pickup some RB's. I realize Bell is not his equal but he's not a bad RB.

I'm sure they're looking at Bush as a replacement for Barber as a power back. He won't get starters money though. I don't know about you guys but I getting sick of all the drama surrounding Forte. Either sign the guy of trade his ass. Threats of a hold out or not signing his franchise tender have got me changing my mind about the guy.

If he's pissed that JA didn't extend him and wants retribution that he ain't gonna get then trade his ass while his value is as high as it is. He's not getting CJ or AP kind of money. Those were ridiculous contracts and outliers as far as an average goes. Let's get it done of get him out of here before the draft and just replace him.