Wayne Matthews

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Wayne Matthews' $1.03M deal lands at a C+ Contract Value Index, signaling a measured outcome for Chicago. At that price point on a three-year pact, the Bears are paying replacement-level money for a depth linebacker—exactly the kind of modest commitment that carries minimal risk. The mediaFraming is clear: this is roster maintenance, camp competition filler, and secondary depth work rather than a splash signing or long-term building block. Matthews arrives with Michigan State pedigree and some scout interest, but the CVI reflects the absence of standout production metrics that would justify a premium salary. Given the Bears' recent activity pattern—a steady diet of signing reserve-level players across multiple positions—this move slots naturally into an evaluation-phase roster construction, where the team is testing depth options rather than making long-term positional commitments. The three-year term presents no cap burden; Matthews' contract is the kind of low-cost deal designed to be easily shed if a higher-impact option emerges. This is efficient, unremarkable roster filling from a front office in information-gathering mode.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

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

Performance AnalysisPre-Debut

Wayne Matthews has not appeared in an NFL regular season game.

Fan Sentiment

Public perception of Wayne Matthews sits at a C- sentiment grade, capturing how the Chicago Bears fan base and beat writers are framing his role. The narrative around Matthews is decidedly modest — coverage treats this as a routine depth linebacker addition rather than a meaningful roster upgrade, with expectations tempered to training camp competition and potential practice squad duty. His Michigan State pedigree registers as organizational familiarity rather than a competitive selling point, and the absence of meaningful NFL production evidence means beat writers aren't positioning him as a solution to any Bears linebacker need. Against the backdrop of the Bears' recent roster churn — releasing Deion Hankins twice in May while cycling through depth signings at running back and linebacker — Matthews lands as one of several interchangeable depth moves in what looks like a typical preseason roster-building exercise. The C- sentiment reflects a fan base and media apparatus that views him as training camp filler without upside catalyst, the kind of move that generates five headlines of acknowledgment but zero narrative momentum.