When the Bears and Eagles line up on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field, Chicago running back Matt Forte’s contract situation will continue to be a hot topic. But he’s not the only star running back working his way toward a payday.
Per a league source, we’re told that the Eagles and running back LeSean McCoy quietly have been negotiating a contract that would replace his rookie deal, which expires after the 2012 season.
McCoy currently is making only $525,000.
In seven games, McCoy has rushed for 754 yards, and he has scored eight touchdowns. That puts him on pace for 1,723 yards and 18 touchdowns.
It had been believed that receiver DeSean Jackson was the next guy in line for a new deal, given that his rookie contract expires after the 2011 season. It’s unknown whether and to what extent any progress has been made between Jackson and the Eagles.
It’s also unknown whether McCoy and the Eagles are close to working out a deal. Running backs have become increasingly difficult for teams to value, given the wide range of veteran contracts and the concern that once a running back gets big money his performance may dip.