The NFL will begin allowing teams to use their franchise tag on Monday and the Bears could do so with Matt Forte immediately. Teams can apply the tag over a two-week period as a way of preventing players from hitting the open market. Chicago hasn't said they'll use the tag on Forte, but if a long-term deal isn't reached, they'll will want to prevent him from becoming a free agent. "We'd like to (sign Forte to a new deal)," president Ted Phillips told "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "But as Phil (Emery) pointed out we obviously will at least consider placing the franchise tag on him. We don't have any intention of letting Matt hit the open market. We'll sit down with him privately -- Phil will -- and discuss what the plans are prior to the Feb. 20 franchise tag date."