What we know:
1. The Bears *have* overpaid for backup running backs lately (Taylor, MBIII), so yes, I can see where Forte is peaved that he's been producing and being paid less than a million a year for it.
2. The Bears came around early and gave him what they thought was a fair offer, their point being that he should take thier offer now, and make more money in the long run, rather than hold out for more and cause them to Franchise him for less. He had an offer better than the franchise tag on the table, and rejected it - REMEMBER THAT.
3. Forte played the 'I might hold out' card last year, and bluffed. That just weakened his position even further. He was actually better off holding out last year, because his salary was so low. As Biggs pointed out this morning, if he holds out this year he'll be losing more money in those 6 games than he's made in his career thus far.
4. Running Back is one of the easiest positions to fill/make up for in the league.
5. The Bears needed to sign Bush anyways. Every good team needs two good running backs and for Forte to PUBLICLY and directly bitch about it right after Bush was signed is a little (pardon the pun) Bush League to me.
I say, test the market for a Forte trade. I don't like the Freeney trade that was floated about by Dave Richard, as I think that would be a major ripoff. Freeney is clearly in the twilight of his career. I think if you can get a first round pick and/or a starting WR or O Lineman, do the deal.
But don't get me wrong, I do love Forte, I just don't think it's worth the headache if he doesn't want to sign a reasonable contract.