CHICAGO, IL (The Spread) – While some franchise players sit without a long-term contract, the Chicago Bears have re-signed Matt Forte to a four-year, $32 million contract.
Forte’s deal includes $18 million in guaranteed money and is similar to the deal that LeSean McCoy signed with the Eagles (six years, $45.6 million). Forte rushed for 997 yards on 203 attempts with three touchdowns last year in 12 games with Chicago. He missed four games due to a knee injury.
According to oddsmakers, the Bears are 16/1 to win the 2013 Super Bowl and 9/1 to win this year’s NFC Championship. The Bears are also +350 on the money line to win the NFC North Division in 2013, which puts their odds right behind the Green Bay Packers, who are the favorites at -250.
Meanwhile, Ray Rice remains without a long-term deal as the deadline to sign franchise players approaches (it’s Monday at 4:00PM ET). Contrary to some reports, Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun hears that talks between the Ravens and Rice are “still alive.” The Ravens are 18/1 to win the 2013 Super Bowl, 7/1 to win the 2013 AFC Championship and +130 to win the AFC North Division.
The news for franchise defensive players isn’t positive right now either. The player rep for 49ers’ free safety Dashon Goldson suggests that his client will not sign a long-term contract with San Francisco before today’s deadline. Negotiations between defensive end Cliff Avril and the Lions have reportedly broken off as well.
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