Lovie Smith “Optimistic” That The Bears Will Lockup RB Matt Forte

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith remains “optimistic” that they’ll be able to get RB Matt Forte signed to a long-term extension at some point.

“My glass is always half-full,” Smith said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “… Matt Forte hasn’t missed anything that we’ve had here. I think it’s a little bit early. This is the offseason, and these things go on in the offseason.”

Previous reports have mentioned that the Bears have a contract on the table for Forte and the team’s front office believes that it’s a “strong offer.” Forte is looking for more guaranteed money, but as we’ve previously mentioned, the Bears have plenty of leverage in the situation now that they’ve signed Michael Bush to be his compliment next season.