The Bears all but announced that they think they will be a passing team in 2012. While running back Matt Forte skipped the first week of organized team activities because of a contract dispute, Jay Cutler and wide receiver Brandon Marshall took turns complimenting each other. Forte's value remains a source of debate and contention. Throughout the league, people have wondered why the Bears can't agree on a multiyear contract extension for one of the most productive running backs. A major sticking point could stem from Chicago's worry over how long Forte's knees will hold up, a source suggested to the Chicago Tribune. The wear and tear on Forte's knees drew the attention of several teams, including the Bears, before the 2008 NFL draft when he came out of Tulane. According to the source, given Forte's past the Bears cannot rule out arthritis setting in and becoming a chronic problem for the fifth-year running back with 1,237 career NFL touches who turns 27 in December. In the NFL, data show running backs start declining after age 28.