Matt Forte
used one word to describe his contract negotiations: Long.
But as taxing as the process was, it still beat the deadline. And the Pro Bowl running back reported to training camp Tuesday evening on time and with a new four-year $31.5 million contract in hand ($17.1 million) guaranteed.
Forte was asked if he and his agent,
Adisa Bakari,
had to give a little. Forte avoided playing under the $7.74 million franchise tag this season.
“We got the deal done, basically, so both sides accomplished the main goal,” Forte said. “So it was good.”
Forte, who appears to be in his best physical shape as a pro, was asked if he felt heightened expectations as a result of his new contract.
“Not more than what I expect out of myself,” he said. “Every year I expect to do exceptional on the field. And I won’t expect anything less than that.”
Forte said he won’t have a problem picking up the new offense despite missing the offseason because he has watched film. He still needed to pick up his playbook.
Injury front:
Receiver
Johnny Knox,
who continues to recover from spinal fusion surgery, is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform list, as the Tribune reported in March. General manager
Phil Emery
mentioned the possibility of Knox being on the active PUP depending on how he checks out after a physical exam.
Emery said Knox is doing some light running and working out. Although Knox is making progress, his legs apparently aren’t firing like usual, hindering his ability to run normally.
If Knox is on the PUP at the start of the regular season, he would have to wait until Week 6 to return to the field.
Knox is the only Bear expected to be held back by injury. Both Emery and coach
Lovie Smith
said linebacker
Brian Urlacher
More Top Picks Misters Plants
would practice with no restrictions Thursday coming off a serious knee injury.
Extra points:
Receiver
Brandon Marshall
on
Jay Cutler
telling him where to park his car at the training camp dorm: “He tells me what to do on a lot of things. He thinks he’s my father.” … Defensive tackle
Matt Toeaina
continues to wear a cast on his right hand after breaking it during offseason workouts. … Former Bears running back
Adrian Peterson
is assisting with coaching the running backs this week. … Former Bears quarterback
Jim Miller
will be the television analyst for three of the team’s four exhibitions.