Among the needs the Chicago Bears have on defense is at safety. With four safeties set to be free agents this offseason, the Chicago Bears need to work hard to replace two starters and find some depth.
There’s questions about who will return as Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker both had strong seasons. But as the NFL’s legal tampering period for free agency opened up on Monday, the Bears were quick to fill one of those spots on the defense.
Chicago Bears agree to deal with Coby Bryant
Ryan Poles and his staff moved fast in this free agency period and within the first two hours they had agreed to a deal with Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant. The Bears and Bryant agreed to a three-year deal worth $40 million.
It’s a nice payday for the safety who is entering his fifth season after spending the last four with the Seahawks. Bryant was drafted by the Seahawks as a defensive back and made the switch to safety.
Sources: The #Bears and standout S Coby Bryant have agreed to a 3 year $40M, per sources.
Bryant has 7 INTs over the last two years and has started 34 games during his time with Seattle — amassing 7 forced fumbles and 17 passes defensed. pic.twitter.com/uXpC62VVIe
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2026
With the signing and the cap situation the Bears are in, this could mean bad news for a Byard return. The veteran is coming off one of the best years of his career, putting together an All-Pro season. Byard has expressed interest in returning to Chicago. But it might be a little tougher now depending on the price.
However, with the addition of Bryant, Chicago could look at drafting a safety and pairing the two this April. If the money is right on Byard, it still makes sense but this feels like more of a long shot now.
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