Bears sign second-rounder, RB Forte, with position open

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- 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.