WESTMONT, Ill. -- Running back Matt Forte declined Thursday to speak about his contract negotiations with the Chicago Bears, but he said he appreciated the public support of his teammates and liked the team's offseason moves to bolster the offense.

Forte was designated the Bears' franchise player in March, and the two sides have continued to try to work out a long-term deal. They have until July 16 to agree on a contract or Forte must play under the franchise tag, which would pay him $7.74 million in 2012.

Forte rushed for 997 yards and three touchdowns on 203 carries and had 52 receptions in 2011. He missed the team's final four games after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler recently voiced his support for Forte and said he fully expected Forte to be playing come the Bears' season opener.