The Chicago Bears are facing the unfortunate likelihood of having to replace their entire safety room in 2026. Kevin Byard, who was a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, is set to be a free agent. So too is Jaquan Brisker, who has played out his rookie contract in Chicago. While Byard is a long-time veteran, Brisker is going to be looking for a bigger payday as he looks for his second NFL deal.
Undoubtedly, the safety position will be one that the Bears focus on in the 2026 NFL Draft. They will, in all likelihood, take more than one. However, they also will need to venture forth into free agency to add a veteran at the position as well.
Bleacher Report identified two-time Super Bowl Champion Bryan Cook as someone who would be a perfect fit.
Bryan Cook named the perfect free agent target for the Chicago Bears
In a recent article in which they list the perfect free agent target for each NFL team, Bleacher Report named Cook, who won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, as Chicago’s ideal signee:
“The Bears are going to be connected to a lot of edge-rushers during free agency. It makes sense, but they at least have Montez Sweat to build around. They essentially have no safeties on the roster for 2026.
“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 just 4.5 percent of his tackle attempts last season.”
Based on his position, the fit is easy to see. That being said, Cook allowed a 69.8% completion percentage and 128.5 passer rating when targeted last season. Perhaps playing in Dennis Allen’s system would lead to more production and more effective coverage, but the fact of the matter is that Cook has allowed passer ratings over 92 when targeted in each of his four seasons.
What is more, Spotrac currently lists his market value as four years and over $56 million, so about $14 million a year.
That may be too much for the cap-pressed Bears to afford.
More Chicago Bears news from ChiCity Sports
- Bears potential trade partner for Tyson Bagent revealed
- Bears OT Braxton Jones gets high praise on NFL 101 best free agent list
- Bears expected to test Cole Kmet’s loyalty soon
For More Chicago Sports
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson makes bold top-32 declaration about quarterback Tyson Bagent
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
