The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. At least, that was the case as free agency began.
In the early goings of the offseason, the Bengals have made a few key additions. Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe are massive pieces to bolster the defensive line, but the secondary also needed some work.
They made a splash, signing Bryan Cook, formerly with the Kansas City Chiefs, to a $40.25 million three-year deal. That signing, according to Matt Okada of NFL.com, was a "smart" decision by the Bengals front office for one reason: It was the best way to fill their need.
Bengals $40.25 million Bryan Cook signing called 'smart' by NFL writer
"Not only did the Bengals directly 'address the safety debacle' - following my suggestion with a player I listed - but they landed Cook on an extremely reasonable deal that comes in at just 13th in average annual value at the position," Okada writes.
Cook's $40.25 million three-year deal is not a bad one for the Bengals. It's just a hair above $13.4 million per-season, and while it's a bit expensive for a safety compared to players like Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, it's a much more stable presence than those options.
He's a great tackler and is also good in both run defense and pass coverage. The two-time Super Bowl champion has started 47 games in his NFL career, 46 of which came in the last three seasons.
More: Bengals to sign Bryan Cook to $40.25 million contract
Cook has three career interceptions, 15 passes defended, one sack, 238 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.
He's not the top safety in the NFL, but by paying him the 13th most money among the position for 2026 and beyond, it's a very reasonable contract to hand out to fill a need.
While pass rusher might've been the bigger issue for the Bengals, they desperately needed a safety to pair with Jordan Battle next season, other than Geno Stone.
There is still more work to be done on the defensive side of the ball for the Bengals, but this addition of Cook at $40.25 million over three seasons was a "smart" move for the Bengals in Okada's opinion. And with how great a fit this is, it's hard to argue that point.
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