Nikola Kalinic

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		2	—	—	—
2025		2	—	—	—
2024		2	—	—	—
2022		7

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Chicago Bears' $1.0M deal with tight end Nikola Kalinic earns a D+ CVI, representing a slight overpay for what amounts to depth insurance at the position. While the financial commitment is minimal in NFL terms, Kalinic's rotational player production tier suggests the Bears are paying starter-level money for a contributor who projects more as a camp body or practice squad candidate. At this stage of his career, the veteran tight end hasn't demonstrated the receiving skills or blocking consistency that would justify even this modest investment, particularly when younger, cheaper alternatives typically flood the waiver wire. The contract structure carries minimal risk given the low total value, but the Bears would have been better served allocating this roster spot and salary cap space toward a player with higher upside or proven special teams value. This signing feels more like organizational familiarity than sound roster construction, as Chicago continues to search for reliable depth behind their primary tight end options.

Fan Sentiment

A low-stakes depth retention for Chicago's tight end room heading into the playoffs. Headlines confirm Kalinic's role as a practice squad elevation, not a meaningful roster upgrade. His repeated elevations signal special teams value over offensive contribution. Fans largely overlook this move, focused on bigger names returning from IR. Kalinic projects as a fringe roster player with limited upside beyond emergency depth.