Jack Sanborn

Career StatsC+

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		54	198	4.5	1
2025		6	34	0.0	0
2024		17	35	1.5	0
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Jack Sanborn's Contract Value Index lands at B-, putting the deal in a defined slice of comparable signings. The $1.215M average annual value reflects what the market offers a fourth-year linebacker with a C+ performance grade — modest money for modest production, though his 2025 season output of 34 tackles across 6 games suggests limited opportunity rather than breakout efficiency. At 25, Sanborn sits in the prime developmental window for his position, yet the media framing and sentiment consensus paint a portrait of a depth-only player rather than an emerging contributor: he's viewed across five outlets as a "familiar-face depth signing" returning from a minimal-impact stint elsewhere, competing primarily for special teams snaps and a roster spot. The CVI reflects that floor — this is replacement-level compensation for a replacement-level role, neither a bargain nor an overpay. Recent Bears transactions reveal the organization adding linebacker depth systematically (multiple linebacker signings in May alongside running back rotations), positioning Sanborn as organizational insurance rather than a centerpiece of any positional upgrade. Expect him to operate at the margins of the roster, and the B- grade appropriately values a deal that carries minimal upside and minimal downside — the contract itself is working as intended.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Jack's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Jack Sanborn, a four-year veteran linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has established himself as a reliable run-defender and snap-count contributor despite inconsistent overall performance. The 25-year-old has appeared in 54 career games and currently grades as a C+ player, reflecting a mixed body of work that hinges heavily on his 2025 season resurgence. Among NFL linebackers, Sanborn occupies a below-average-to-average tier—capable depth rather than an ascending impact starter. Sanborn's most glaring strength is his tackle production, where he averages 5.67 per game, significantly outpacing the NFL average of 2.19 and approaching the elite threshold of 7.32. This elite volume suggests strong instincts and gap integrity in run defense. However, his pass-rush productivity tells a different story: he registers just 0.25 tackles for loss per game against an NFL average of 0.27, indicating limited explosion off the ball and disruption in the backfield. Similarly, his pass defense grade reflects 0.17 passes defended per game, right at the league average of 0.18, with elite linebackers reaching 0.50—exposing a ceiling in coverage and playmaking upside. Sanborn's trajectory has been uneven, declining from a C grade in 2023 to a D+ in 2024 before rebounding to a C in 2025. That recent uptick offers modest encouragement, but he must demonstrate sustained improvement in tackle efficiency and pass-rush impact to climb beyond reserve linebacker status. Watch whether Chicago's defensive scheme adjustments yield better opportunities for him to translate his run-tackling prowess into more disruptive plays.

How Jack Compares at the Position

Jack Sanborn ranks 128th of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Jack between Nick Herbig (C+) just ahead and Nate Lynn (C+) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Sanborn's reunion with Chicago represents a solid depth addition at linebacker. Five headlines emphasize his return and personal preference for the Bears organization. His voluntary re-signing signals comfort within the defensive scheme and coaching staff. Fans view this as a familiar rotational piece rather than a transformative upgrade. Chicago gains a reliable backup contributor with scheme familiarity for 2024.