Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte wants “respect” for his work in the form of a contract extension. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is still waiting for a long-term contract from the team, but his wish for a new deal isn’t just about the money, he said Wednesday on NFL Network, according to a story by Pro Football Talk.

Forte said he does not care if he is the highest-paid player at his position. He wants an extension that shows him “respect” by acknowledging he is among the best running backs in the league.

“All you can ask for is respect, and you go out there and you do your best to earn it,” Forte said. “Respect isn’t given to anybody. You’ve got to earn it out there. So the way I go about playing the game, preparing for it and the way I play, I feel I have earned the respect.

“As far as being disrespected, I don’t know. Maybe it’s just the business side of the league. It’s unfortunate that when the organization does treat it as a business (but) when a player does, he gets frowned upon. You have to do what’s best for you and your family.”

The 26-year-old Forte was having the best season of his career last fall before spraining the MCL in his right knee late in the season. The running back, a crucial part of Chicago’s offense, had 997 yards rushing in only 12 games. The Bears collapsed down the stretch without Forte and quarterback Jay Cutler, who fractured his thumb.

The Bears placed the franchise tag on Forte this offseason and signed free agent running back Michael Bush to a four-year deal.

When the Chicago Bears brought in Michael Bush this week to be their newest running back, the intent was to have a backup, not a replacement, for featured back Matt Forte. But Forte evidently didn’t see it that way, as the Bears’ Pro Bowl back was offended by the signing:

There's only so many times a man that has done everything he's been asked to do can be disrespected! Guess the GOOD GUYS do finish last....

—
Matt Forte (@MattForte22) March 22, 2012

Forte is clearly the better player — over his last four years with the Bears, he’s rushed for a total of 4,233 yards and 21 touchdowns. Bush was one of the best running backs on the market this spring, but his stats — 2,642 yards and 21 TDs — pale in comparison.

The Bears franchised Forte earlier this offseason, and so far they’ve been unable to work out any kind of contract, long-term or otherwise, with the 26-year-old back. Bringing in Bush to threaten his job security clearly hasn’t helped matters.

The Chicago Bears have secured themselves a nice backup running back behind Matt Forte, agreeing to terms with former Oakland Raider Michael Bush on a four-year contract, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Former Raiders RB Michael Bush agreed to terms with Bears: 4 yrs, $14m, $7 guaranteed.

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Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 22, 2012

Bush was productive in his first four seasons in Oakland, rushing for a total of 2,642 yards and 21 touchdowns. He rushed for a career-high 977 yards last year, making him arguably the best running back on the market this offseason.

Bush is expected to be the Bears’ second back, as the team franchised Forte earlier this month and is working on hammering out a contract agreement. The Bears are hoping to keep Forte around with a long-term deal.