Bryan Cook Bears
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The Kansas City Chiefs selected Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook with the 62nd overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
There’s a growing chance that the Chicago Bears walk into the 2026 season without any safeties on the roster from the previous season. Notably, Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are both unrestricted free agents for the upcoming season. While general manager Ryan Poles has expressed interest in bringing back both players,neither is a guarantee.
Bryan Perez of Sports Illustrated explained why versatile safeties are vital to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system.
“Dennis Allen likes guys who can play deep coverage and trigger downhill in the run game. It’s hard to find players who can do a little bit of everything well,”Perez wrote.
While the Bears have been rumored to explore multiple alternative options viatrades and thedraft, the ideal option may be available for them in free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine listed Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook as a perfect signing for the Bears.
Bryan Cook Would Offer Chicago Bears a Young Playmaker, Says Bleacher Report
Bryan Cook Stats
GettySafety Bryan Cook has recorded 238 total tackles, 15 passes defended, 3 interceptions, and a sack across 62 career games played with the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Bryan Cook has the ability to play deep or be a playmaker in the box. At 26 years old, he’s just hitting his peak. He’s a sure tackler who missed just4.5 percent of his tackle attempts last season,”Ballentine wrote.
Bryan Perez expanded on how Cook fits into the Bears’ defensive plans.
“General manager Ryan Poles has consistently emphasized physicality and speed on defense. Cook’s profile aligns with that vision,”Perez noted. “He offers range on the back end but isn’t limited to being a single-high player. He’d allow the Bears to disguise coverage looks without sacrificing run support.”
Cook’s market value is listed at $14.2 million according toSpotrac. He is projected to garner a four-year deal up to $56.8 million. While this is a steep price for a Bears team that has the seventh-fewestcap space in the league, they may have just caught a timely break.
NFL Salary Cap Increase Provides Bears Financial Breathing Room
TheNFL announced on February 27 that the salary cap will increase to $301.2 million per team in 2026. This is a $22 million boost from 2025.
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While this is on the lower end of what was expected, nearly $2.3 million under projection, it still grants the Bears a little more room to work when manipulating their finances. Ryan Poles has already been working to free up more space before the increase.
The Bears have recently been rumored to be prepared to move off several veteran players. These moves can come via trade or release. Rumors include players such as linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who would save them$15 million, or even wide receiver DJ Moore, who could save them up to$24.5 million.
The Bears are in a fortunate position due to their recent draft success. Several key contributors, including quarterback Caleb Williams, are still on a rookie contract. If the Bears are hoping to capitalize on their Super Bowl window, adding young players who fit within their scheme and have high potential, like Cook, is essential.