Getty Images

There may finally be reason for optimism in Chicago that the Bears and running back Matt Forte can come to an agreement on a new contract.

Forte, the franchise player who is not satisfied with the one-year tender offer of $7.7 million, told reporters today that he believes progress has been made in his contract talks with the team.

“Last year we were worlds apart, but it’s gotten better,” Forte told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Forte told Zach Zaidman of WSCR in Chicago that he took it personally when he heard the reports that the Bears don’t think his knees can hold up for much longer, but that he’s sure he’ll be with the Bears for the regular season. The question is whether he’ll be there at the start of training camp.

We don’t know the answer to that question yet, but all the reporters who spoke with Forte today indicated that things are moving in the right direction. Considering how far apart Forte and the Bears have seemed to be until now, Bears fans will have to take that as good news.