Minnesota Vikings sign DL Jahvaree Ritzie

Minnesota's one-year, $885K signing of defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie earns a C+ Contract Value Index (CVI) — squarely fair-value territory for a depth-piece defensive front addition during the preseason window. At $885K on a prove-it deal, the Vikings are paying replacement-level money for a reserve-caliber edge contributor, which on its face is an appropriate match: the cost is modest enough that even modest production justifies the expenditure, and the one-year structure eliminates long-term commitment risk. The floor here is real — a non-roster bubble player or limited-snap role carries minimal sunk cost — but the ceiling is equally capped; this isn't a discount-bin steal because Ritzie isn't coming in as an upside prospect or undervalued proven starter, just a routine depth swap at a position where the market for journeymen defenders is thin and efficient. The C+ verdict reflects that equilibrium: Minnesota isn't overpaying for production it won't get, nor is it unearthing a bargain, just filling a roster slot at cost-neutral terms. For an offseason signing this close to camp, that's acceptable roster management — the value hinges entirely on whether Ritzie can carve out a steady backup or special-teams role without forcing the team into cap gymnastics or inflated opportunity costs.