Jul 2, 2008 6:59 pm US/Central
Bears Sign Second Round Pick Forte
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) ―
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Running back Matt Forte participates during a Chicago Bears mini-camp practice on May 31, 2008 at Halas Hall.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
The Chicago Bears agreed to a four-year deal with second-round draft pick Matt Forte, the former Tulane running back expected to replace Cedric Benson in the lineup.
Chicago sent a loud message to Benson when it took Forte with the 44th overall pick and thrust them into a competition that never materialized. The Bears waived Benson in June after three ineffective, injury-plagued years following his second alcohol-related rest in a month.
Unless they sign a veteran, Forte figures to get most of the carries.
He finished second on Tulane's career list with 4,265 yards rushing and 5,261 all-purpose yards while setting school records in rushing touchdowns (39), total touchdowns (44) and yards rushing per game (99.2).
First-round pick Chris Williams remains unsigned.
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