Forte believes deal could get done this weekend

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte remains optimistic that a deal will get done, even as Monday's deadline approaches.

Forte currently has the $7.7 million franchise tag, and July 16 is the deadline for him to reach an extension with the Bears or play for the tender offer that was made in March.

"Hopefully, it will end up well," Forte told ESPN.com. "And when? Hopefully by the 16th. That's the final date, so I'm looking forward to trying to get it done by then."

If no deal is done, while Forte wouldn't say definitively, it would appear likely that would miss training camp and not sign the tender offer until much closer to the regular season.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com