A report on Saturday from NFL Network's Michael Lombardi said that RB Matt Forte and the Bears are "extremely close" to agreeing on a long-term deal to keep him with the club.
Lombardi cited a source with knowledge of the situation for his report. Forte, who received the franchise tag and has been looking for a long-term deal for more than a year, did not attend the team’s OTAs or minicamp.
The Bears and Forte have until Monday to reach a long-term deal. If Forte is forced to sign the franchise tender, it would be worth approximately $7.7 million for 2012.
The Tulane product had 997 yards rushing and 490 yards receiving in 12 games in 2011 before suffering a season-ending knee injury.