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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Matt Forte Says He Will Not Sign Bears’ Franchise Tag Offer

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte says that he will not sign the franchise tender extended to him by the team last month. In fact, according to Adam Schefter reporting on ESPN SportsCenter, Forte says that the only thing he will sign is a long-term contract.

Forte was unhappy when the Bears signed free agent running back Michael Bush from the Oakland Raiders. The team has reportedly made a long-term contract offer to Forte that the leadership there defends as a fair offer. Forte has yet to agree to that deal.

Chicago begins their first round of offseason workouts on Monday. Barring a last-minute deal, Forte will be a no-show for those activities. The whole situation sets up what could be a lengthy holdout for Forte. The deadline to sign the franchise offer, which would pay Forte $7.7 million, is July 15.

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