According to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips told the Sun-Times that they’ve made running back Matt Forte a “strong offer” and hope that he’ll accept it.
“I think not only do we appreciate him and have told him so, but I think the offer we’ve made him shows that, too. Now, different people can disagree on the ultimate value,” Phillips said. “But we feel we’ve made a strong offer to him, and are still hopeful he accepts it.”
Phillips reiterated that Forte is their main running back, despite the fact that they just signed Michael Bush to a four-year deal.
“Matt Forte is our No. 1 running back. He’s been told that, and he knows that. We all know that. He’s going to be a Bear for 2012, at least,” Phillips said. “He knows he has a long-term offer on the table, and we hope, at some point and time, he chooses to accept that.”
Phillips denied rumors that Forte is on the trade block.
“I’m not going to comment on rumors.
“But, they’re all just rumors. Matt, who’s been a big part of our team, we want him to be a big part of our team this year.”
Follow PFZ on Twitter @ProFootballZone