Bears coach Smith does not know when Forte will end holdout
Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith said he does not know if holdout running back Matt Forte will arrive on time for the team's training camp, the National Football Post reported Saturday.
Forte, a Pro Bowler last year, missed the Bears' entire offseason program, including minicamp, while holding out for a multi-year contract. The Bears placed the franchise tag on him, which means he will make $7.7 million this year if he does not get a new deal.
There has reportedly been no progress made in getting a deal done for Forte and the deadline is July 16.
"The offseason is the time, if you have an issue with your contract, to take care of that," Smith said. "This is the offseason. That is how I have looked at it. Matt isn't here right now. He'll take care of his contract situation in time. We can't wait to get him back on the football field."
Forte may continue his holdout when training camp starts if he does not get a new contract. Players often do not report to camp if they are not satisfied with their franchise-tag situation.
