"He questioned the Bears' loyalty. He scoffed at their refusal to label him an elite running back. He seethed over their plans to use the franchise tag next season.

Initially, Matt Forte protested his contract situation quietly as he opted not to hold out of training camp and exhibitions. Forte's stance changed dramatically when he became more vocal with his frustration, up until last week's two-fumble outing in Philadelphia.

It makes you wonder if Forte hurts his contract status every time he speaks.

"No, I don't think so,'' he said, "because when I didn't say anything, nothing got done. If I say something now and a deal doesn't get done, it's the same thing.''"