Thread: RB Bell will take part in Bears' voluntary-workout program

RB Bell will take part in Bears' voluntary-workout program
Expected to wait until April 20 deadline before signing $1.26M tender

By Vaughn McClure
Tribune reporter

1:29 a.m. CDT, April 10, 2012
While Matt Forte’s contract status remains in limbo, another running back is set to rejoin his Chicago Bearsteammates, signed or not.

Kahlil Bell, a restricted free agent whom the Bears tendered at $1.26 million for the next season, is expected to be at Halas Hall on Monday for the start of the voluntary offseason workout program. The former undrafted player from UCLA started the final two games last season after Forte sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

"I’m looking forward to the start of this season, and I’m not worried about my contract situation,’’ Bell said Monday night. "That will play out the way it plays out.’’

Agent Harold Lewis said his client will sign an offseason-workout agreement to protect from any injury while at the Bears’ facility. Such an agreement covers the full $1.26 million.

Bell is expected to wait until the April 20 deadline before signing his tender. At least two teams have expressed interest, although no offers have been made. If any team were to sign the fourth-year player to an offer sheet over the next 10 days, the Bears would have the right to match. If the Bears were to decline matching an offer, they would not receive any compensation based on the minimum-level tender.

Bell appeared to have the inside track to become Forte’s backup after he finished with 240 rushing yards in the final three games of 2011. That total included a career-high 121 yards on 23 carries in a Christmas night loss at Green Bay.

The Bears surprised some, including Forte, when they signed former Raiders part-time starter Michael Bush to a four-year contract. Another veteran running back was taken out of the mix when Marion Barber announced his retirement.

Bell still could get an opportunity to compete for touches -- if he remains a Bear. He vowed to correct the fumbling problems that marred his strong showing at the end of last season. And he showed a willingness to play anywhere on special teams, something the Bears would require of their third running back.

Bell owns the franchise-rookie record for the longest run, 72-yarder against the Eagles in 2009. It was the first carry of his professional career.

RB Bell will take part in Bears' voluntary-workout program - chicagotribune.com