Forté has a clean bill of health from the medial collateral ligament he sprained in his right knee. His selection to his first Pro Bowl ups his value and leverage in contract negotiations. Look for the team to secure its GM position before reopening talks, but everyone believes Forté will be a Bear in 2012 — either through the use of the franchise tag or a long-term deal. He did hint he could hold out if he is franchised.

Forté averaged 21.3 utilizations for 123.9 yards from scrimmage but only 0.3 TDs in 12 games. He totaled four TDs. TD-vulture Marion Barbern scored five in 2011. Based on those numbers and his locker-room standing, the team doesn't have great leverage and risks alienating the team against management if he doesn't get his payday. Forté will be a coveted running back, but realize that Mike Martz was able to maximize his dual-threat talent. Forté might not see those per-game numbers again, making him a slightly overvalued RB.

RB Kahlil Bell and Marion Barber: Who is the handcuff player to target?

Right now, Barber's future is in doubt after missing five games (the first three weeks and the last two weeks) and some brutal play against the Broncos and Chiefs. Bell was outstanding down the stretch but will struggle between the tackles. If the Bears are going to use a power rushing attack, Barber at 5-11, 218 pounds, has the power to run between the tackles. However, Bell at 5-11, 219 pounds could be the alternative, especially with his ability as a dual-threat RB. His one downside that many forget? Bell was injury-prone in college. Also, keeping those three RBs could be too costly.