Bears agree to terms with RB Forte
Rookie Matt Forte, who is expected to be the Bears' featured running back when training camp opens July 23, signed a four-year contract Wednesday afternoon.
The second-round draft pick from Tulane was chosen 44th overall by the Bears, who believe he can become the three-down workhorse they lacked last season, when they averaged just 3.1 rushing yards per carry, worst in the NFL.
At the time of the draft, it was assumed Forte would have to contend with incumbent Cedric Benson for the starting job. But, when Benson was arrested twice within five weeks on alcohol-related charges, the Bears released him.
That essentially handed the job to the 6-foot-2, 217-pound Forte, who rushed for 2,127 yards last season, seventh best in NCAA D-1 history.
From his first practices of rookie minicamp, Forte has impressed coaches throughout the off-season with his speed and quickness as a runner and his receiving ability out of the backfield.
"He's been tremendous," offensive coordinator Turner said of Forte shortly after Benson's release. "He's a very intelligent young man. He's been here 10 practices or whatever, counting OTAs and minicamp, and right now we're not afraid to call anything in our offense with him: first down, second down, third down.
"Sure, he's made some mistakes, and he's got some things to clean up technique-wise and assignment-wise and all that, but we'll continue to work on that. But he's a very bright young man who can do a lot of things."
Contract terms were not released, but Forte's deal is believed to be worth more than $4 million with at least $1.5 million guaranteed. Forte is the 11th of 12 Bears drafts picks to sign or agree to terms, leaving only first-round offensive tackle Chris Williams.
Forte finished his career at Tulane as the school's all-time leader in rushing yards per game (99.2), rushing touchdowns (39), total touchdowns (44) and scoring among non-kickers (266 points).
He is second in school history in all-purpose yards (5,261), rushing yards (4,265), rushing attempts (833) and 100-yard rushing games (16).
Last season Forte became just the 11th player in NCAA Division I history to rush for 2,000 yards.