If Cutler is not injured, the Bears have already qualified for the playoffs. Clearly, he is the most important part of the offense. No matter how much I like Forte, he is not the center of the offense and can be replaced. The Bears have run the ball very well without him the last 3 games. My point is I would not pay Forte what he is asking for. I would tell him the previous offer is on the table. He can sign that or we will franchise him the next two years.
Bottom line, they have to improve the OL and WR core on this team. Someone said in another post that RBs are a dime a dozen. Forte is a very good RB but not an elite RB ala Chris Johnson or Adrian Peterson. Look at how Denver used to pump out different 1,000 RBs. Do not break the bank with Forte.
Peace