Chicago Bears sign LB Jon Rhattigan

Jon Rhattigan's one-year, $1.215M signing earns a **D+ Contract Value Index (CVI)** — a below-market deal that reflects realistic depth-piece economics rather than a vote of confidence in immediate on-field impact. At linebacker, a $1.215M AAV on a prove-it contract signals the Bears view him as a reserve contributor or special teams option rather than a roster cornerstone; this is fitting for a one-year arrangement with no guaranteed commitments extending into 2027. The value floor here is straightforward: at this price point, there's minimal downside risk to Chicago's cap structure, and if Rhattigan produces at a replacement-level or solid-starter tier, the deal becomes neutral-to-positive. Conversely, if he underperforms or suffers injury, the Bears simply move on without dead-cap consequences — the short term and modest investment protect them entirely. In the context of an 11-6 team currently holding the NFC North's #2 seed headed into the regular season, this signing looks like organizational due diligence on depth rather than a transformative acquisition, one that avoids overpaying for marginal help while keeping the door open for incremental contributions.