Signing Matt Forte was, in a way, a fairly straightforward transaction.
The Bears running back produced, he’s at an age where production can be somewhat assumed, so he was taken care of.
Things will get more complicated for the Bears in the coming year, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
With linebacker Brian Urlacher’s contract expiring after this season and quarterback Jay Cutler’s after 2013, the Bears have a pair of big issues and no easy answers.
The 34-year-old Urlacher said in June that he was told no deal would be done until after the season. He’s still productive, but giving a long-term deal to a player his age will always be a risk.
“The Bears know I want to be here. I’ve said it publicly, and that’s not gonna change,” he said. “Whatever happens during the season or after the season, we’ll address it then. They know I want to be here, and I think they want me here.”
Cutler’s will be far more expensive, if they decide they want to invest in him long-term. The talent can’t be questioned, but he has one winning season in three years, making it fair to wonder if he deserves to be paid with the Matt Staffords and other top passers who are coming up for deals.
And besides, it’s not like Cutler’s going to threaten a singing career as leverage.