Thread: Matt Forte NOT HAPPY with Bush signing

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

Think we should all chill. The article below sounds more level headed and reasonable for what is going on.Impact of Michael Bush on Matt Forte - NFC North Blog - ESPN

Impact of Michael Bush on Matt Forte

March, 22, 2012 Mar 22
12:28
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By Kevin Seifert


A number of wild theories began circulating in the moments after the Chicago Bears announced a four-year contract agreement with running back Michael Bush. So let's do our best to sift through what the deal does -- and, just as importantly, doesn't -- mean.

• Michael Bush
  
  RB
  Oakland Raiders
  
  2011 STATS
  
  • Rush256
  • Yds977
  • TD7
  • Rec37
  • Yds418
  • TD1
  
  
  
• Bush is the Bears' best attempt yet in finding a reliable backup to starter Matt Forte, one whose skills offer the team more complete coverage from the position. We've noted several times that Forte doesn't perform well in short-yardage and goal-to-goal situations. Last season, Bush scored seven touchdowns for the Oakland Raiders on goal-to-goal downs, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Chester Taylor failed as Forte's backup in 2010, and Marion Barber (2011) figures to follow him out the door shortly.
• Bush got a nice contract that could top out at $14 million and includes $7 million guaranteed. That's better than backup money, but Bush is better than your standard backup. He started 19 games in four seasons with the Raiders.
• That money suggests the Bears felt they needed protection against a possible holdout from Forte, who hasn't agreed to a long-term deal nor has he signed his franchise tender. We're a long way from that point, but mid-summer is not the time to start scrambling for insurance. The best options are available now.
• Some of you might think Forte would be annoyed to see a third consecutive veteran walk into the door with a multi-year contract while he awaits one himself. It's true that Taylor ($7 million) earned more than him in 2010, as did Barber ($2.5) in 2011. This year, Bush's $7 million guarantee is close to the $7.74 million franchise tag that Forte will play under if he doesn't agree to a longer deal. But I think the Bears are willing to pay Forte more than his backup. Whether they are willing to pay him what he wants is another question.
• Regardless, I don't think Bush's arrival will make Forte any more or less likely to hold out. He has a number he wants the Bears to get to. Will it make the Bears less likely to meet that number because they have Bush? They might want Forte to think so, but ultimately they know they need him in their lineup.
• When you hear the name "Michael Bush," many of you think of the terrible broken leg he suffered in 2006 as a senior at Louisville. The injury required the insertion of a steel rod and essentially cost him two years of football. But since returning to the field in 2008, he has played in 61 out of a possible 64 games.
• The Brandon Marshall trade will define the Bears' offseason, but no less impressive has been their determination to beef up depth with highly paid veterans. Bush is the most notable example, but it's worth pointing out that backup quarterback Jason Campbell will earn $3.4 million, while kick returner Eric Weems got a $1.5 million signing bonus on top of a $700,000 base salary

Well written and well stated. I'm not buying into Forte gripes about this being a sign of "disrepect". We lost out on a possible playoff run last year because we lost our two top offensive weapons and we also lost a talented KR. So one of Emery's top missions was to plug those holes. First we tender Bell, then sign Weems, then Campbell, and now Bush to do precisely that. Now add Marshall on top of that and as far as skill positions are concerned we've bullet proofed ourselves about as well as we can. It was a good move but when it didn't get done last week I thought it was over. Glad to see Emery make another aggressive move.

I just want to go on the record that I do not want to trade Forte. Unless we rape another team for picks, that is. IMO he was underpaid last year, and deserves some money. As has been previously stated, the other backs' contracts pretty much lay out the how much, it is just the details that need worked out, and I have confidence they will be. This signing is not intended to replace, but to complement. Marion Barber: don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.

I think it's easy. Forte is not as good as Foster. For me, he is not worth the contract Foster got. Offer him the same deal as maximum offer. If he agrees, be happy and if he doesn't trade him for a 1st

I have no feelings for a guy that gets 7.7 million for playing the sport he loves

Guess I am just old fashioned to think that a team should have the ability to go out and sign an insurance policy, not just on Forte's future with the Bears but as far as this single season in concerned when it comes to winning.
I dont see the problem with getting a reliable back in case of injury as we saw last season.