
Dillon Thieneman and the Chicago Bears agreed to a four-year, $18.75 rookie contract on Friday. The sides finalized the deal in time for the start of the team’s mandatory minicamp on Tuesday at Halas Hall.
The safety was selected at No. 25 to address Chicago’s need at the position. Coaches and fans expect Thieneman to play a significant role in his rookie season and play opposite Coby Bryant. He proved during his collegiate career, particularly last season with the Oregon Ducks, that he is a big-time player unafraid of the moment.
Thieneman enters the NFL with a 2025 first-team All-American selection under his belt. He also played an instrumental role in the Ducks’ College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, where they lost to Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers 56-22.
The Bears made Thieneman’s signing official with an Instagram post. Dillon’s sister, Kiera Thieneman, left a four-word reaction in the announcement post to express her feelings about the development.
“Could not be prouder!!” Kiera wrote.
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Kiera also attracted a lot of attention during the 2026 NFL Draft. She gained a wave of admirers for her outfit and for how she showed support for her brother. The 28-year-old posted photos of their family from the event, which received hundreds of reactions from fans.
The rookie safety will have plenty of eyes watching him closely in 2026. Chicago will depend on its secondary to delay opposing quarterbacks and potentially force more sacks.
Thieneman recorded 96 total tackles, consisting of 52 combined and 44 solo efforts, along with two interceptions last season. However, arguably the best facet of his game is the energy he brings to the field each game. His teammates fed off it and hyped each other up as they competed all the way to the Peach Bowl.
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