Bears make RB Matt Forte $32 Million Man

Today the Bears and Matt Forte came to terms on a deal that pays Forte like one of the game's elite, and rightfully so since he is just that. The deal inked keeps Matt Forte a Bear for the next four years and it is worth $32 million. The guaranteed money is right around $18 million.

So with his annual averages, Forte will be right around $8 million per year putting him in the range of LeSean McCoy and Arian Foster's deals.

Question: Is Matt Forte worth that money, or did the Bears overpay for him considering their offseason moves and acquisitions and the decline of the running back in today's NFL?

Zeus- You know what? In a competitive NFC North, I think the Bears had to make this contract work. The Packers are head and shoulders above the rest of the division at this point, but they have a lot of key players contracts coming up as well. The Lions are relevant again and a playoff caliber team and will compete for a spot in the postseason again. The Vikings will get better in the coming years as well. So to me it is more of the "Have to keep up with the Jones'" and compete in the division for the title in the upcoming years. I don't believe they paid too much for him because Forte produces over and over again. He deserves to be paid like the games elite, and now he is. Forte averages 1,000 yards and 55 catches a year. He is a monster chunk of their offense and they needed to get the deal done. And please do not bring up Marshall as an excuse of why Forte shouldn't have gotten paid, he will be a gigantic piece of the Bears offense. Look for the Bears to ride Forte even more this year regardless of Michael Bush being in the backfield. They will get their moneys worth. Bears fans and fantasy footballers across the United States are rejoicing.

Thayse- I will give you both my take on the financial obligation and the fantasy outlook for 2012. I will say the Bears overpaid for a guy coming off a serious knee injury who, although an amazing talent, is slightly inferior to those near his same paycheck. I would hope the conversation was in the sense of "You've worked hard to earn this, but now we want you to work harder to warrant it."I believe he will. Let's remember that Forte has had a goal line and short down handcuff back since his conception with Chicago and everyone thought MB3 was going to steal all his fantasy points. Well guess what, that didn't happen. Bush might be the best tandem back they've put behind Forte but to think that means less than 1,200 yards rushing with 50-60 receptions for another 500-600 receiving yards is not possible would be foolish. Late first/early second pending the size of your league and will be worth it.