CARLTON'S contract talks with restricted free agent Eddie Betts have dragged on longer than expected but Blues football manager Andrew McKay remains confident the small forward will re-sign soon.

Carlton expected to reach a deal with Betts over its round 13 bye late last month, but the 26-year-old remains unsigned.

However, McKay told AFL.com.au on Wednesday he was confident Betts would re-sign soon.

"We didn't quite get to the line over the bye, but we're confident we'll finalise a deal in the next couple of weeks," McKay said.

"Obviously, Eddie's a restricted free agent, but we believe he's happy here and expect him to re-sign."

Carlton's negotiations with Betts did not begin in earnest until last month after he delayed talks until his return from a three-week suspension in round 11.

Betts has played 175 games for the Blues since making his debut in round one, 2005.

He finished second in Carlton's 2012 best and fairest and was its leading goalkicker in 2010 and 2012.

Injury and suspension have limited Betts to nine games and 12 goals this season.

As a restricted free agent, even if Betts ultimately decides to explore free agency, Carlton can keep him by matching any opposition offers.

This year's other remaining restricted free agents include Lance Franklin (Hawthorn), Dale Thomas (Collingwood), Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs) and Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda).

If Betts re-signs, the Blues will have just one remaining free agent this season, last year's best and fairest winner, Heath Scotland, who turns 33 on Sunday.

Scotland is an unrestricted free agent but is likely to remain with the Blues or retire.

The Blues re-signed their other 2013 free agent, Andrew Carrazzo, in March until the end of 2015.

Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick.