The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t seen consistent production out of the safety position since Jessie Bates departed ahead of the 2023 season, but they addressed both of those spots in free agency, and there is optimism they might have found their solution.
Bryan Cook, one of the league’s best-tackling safeties, brings two Super Bowl rings from his four years with the Kansas City Chiefs and excels in the areas where predecessor Geno Stone struggled most. That could also help Jordan Battle take the next step, but he will have to compete with newcomer Kyle Dugger to keep his job. Competition could bring out the best in both.
Let’s take a look at the past performances of the Bengals’ current safeties, and how they are expected to stack up in 2026 with help from some analysis and data from Pro Football Focus.
This is the seventh in a series of pieces breaking down each position group for the Bengals. Next up: Cornerbacks.
Super Bowl Football Photo Gallery
Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) intercepts a pass during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Cook signed with the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this year. GEORGE WALKER IV/AP
SAFETIES ON THE ROSTER
Projected starters: Jordan Battle, Bryan Cook
Reserves: Kyle Dugger, P.J. Jules
Others in the mix: Daijahn Anthony, Isaiah Nwokobia, Russ Yeast
BATTLE BY THE NUMBERS
2025 stats: 125 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 17 missed tackles in 17 games (all starts)
PFF grades for 2025: Battle ranked 63rd of 98 safeties in defense grade (61.5), 43rd in run defense grade (72.3), 65th in pass rush grade (59.4) and 67th in coverage grade (54.5).
PFF ranking for 2026: N/A
COOK BY THE NUMBERS
*Stats with Kansas City in 2025
2025 stats: 85 tackles, 6 passes defended, 5 missed tackles, 1 tackle for loss in 17 games, all starts
PFF grades for 2025: Cook ranked fourth of 98 safeties in defense grade (83.5), sixth in coverage grade (83.2), 15th in run defense grade (80.1) and 72nd in pass rush grade (58.3).
PFF ranking for 2026: N/A
KYLE DUGGER
*Stats with New England (seven games) and Pittsburgh (nine games)
2025 stats: 59 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended, 9 missed tackles, 2 tackles for loss in 16 games, 13 starts
PFF grades for 2025: Dugger ranked 82nd of 98 safeties in defense grade (53.2), 81st in coverage grade (48.1), sixth in pass rush grade (82.9) and 85th in run defense grade (57.6).
PFF ranking for 2026: N/A
FURTHER ANALYSIS
Cook was not among the top 10 going into this season in ESPN’s position rankings, as compiled from input from NFL executives, coaches and scouts, but he finished the 2025 season ranked as the fourth-best safety in the NFL by PFF.com.
“One year after becoming a full-time starter, the Chiefs’ Bryan Cook had a breakout season in 2025,” PFF analyst Thomas Valentine wrote. “Primarily a free safety, Cook has become one of the best safeties in coverage in pro football, as his 83.2 PFF coverage grade was (fourth) among safeties.
“Cook was more of an impact player against the run, too. He earned a career-best 80.1 PFF run-defense grade, 17th among safeties, and tallied nine run stops. Further, his 5.6% missed tackle rate was the lowest of his career, and Cook compiled an 88.4 PFF tackling grade — fourth at the position.”
The missed tackle rate is what should help the Bengals in comparison to what they got from Stone, but Cook's success in coverage and against the run was all encouraging. He just needs to show last season was not a fluke and that he can replicate it in Cincinnati’s defense. Cook will have plenty of support and should feel comfortable back in his hometown.
Battle has shown he’s got the talent in spurts but needs to do it consistently. Last year was his first as a full-time starter after having to win the job midseason in 2023 and 2024, but the things he did well in late-season opportunities early in his career did not show up from the start in 2025 and came in flashes.
bengals bears 2025
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle attempts to tackle Bears tight end Colston Loveland during their game on Sunday, Nov. 2 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Bears won 47-42. JEREMY MILLER / CONTRIBUTED
Dugger split time between New England and Pittsburgh last year but had been a regular starter the previous four years with the Patriots, so he’s got something to prove individually. He could be the penciled-in starter, but the coaching staff still seems high enough on Battle to give him the first crack at keeping his job. Dugger is a solid option if Battle isn't up to par.