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.
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Contract Value Index (CVI)
D+
Below Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
This signing grades out as a significant overpay for the Chicago Bears — the team is paying more than the on-field production currently warrants. Nikola's on-field performance ranks in the bottom quartile among NFL TEs, grading him as an unproven at the position. His $1.0M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the TE market. The concern here is the gap between production and cost — unproven output at bargain money means the team is paying a premium above the player's on-field value. Nikola is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract.
Contract Details
Total Value
$1.0M
AAV
$1.0M
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