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The Chicago Bears have signed former Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million contract. Bryant, a 26-year-old defensive back, is expected to help shore up the Bears’ secondary after the team had no safeties on the roster at the time of the signing. Over his four-year career with the Seahawks, Bryant recorded 227 tackles, seven interceptions, and seven forced fumbles, emerging as a key player in Seattle’s defense.

Why it matters

The Bears’ defense was plagued by injuries last season, with several key players in the secondary missing critical games. Bryant’s addition provides much-needed stability and playmaking ability to the unit, as he has demonstrated the capacity to disrupt passing lanes, limit big plays, and make crucial stops. His versatility, allowing him to play both cornerback and safety, also gives the Bears’ coaching staff more flexibility in their defensive schemes.

The details

Bryant started his career as a cornerback but transitioned to safety in 2024, where he flourished. In the 2025 season, he allowed the second-lowest passer rating among safeties in the league. His instincts, awareness in coverage, and ability to locate the football make him a reliable anchor in the Bears’ secondary. Last season, Bryant missed two regular-season games due to a knee injury, but he is not considered injury-prone, which should provide stability to a unit that struggled with injuries in 2025.

The Bears signed Bryant to a three-year, $40 million deal on March 22, 2026.In the 2025 season, Bryant recorded 66 tackles and four interceptions for the Seahawks.

The players

Coby Bryant

A 26-year-old defensive back who spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he emerged as a key player in their defense.

Dennis Allen

The defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, known for his ability to move defensive backs and create unique defensive schemes.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who made the decision to sign Coby Bryant to bolster the team’s secondary.

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What they’re saying

“Coby Bryant allowed the 2nd-lowest passer rating among safeties in 2025 (51.4, min. 25 targets in coverage). His 4 interceptions were tied for the 4th-most at the position.”

— Next Gen Stats

“New #Bears FS Coby Bryant had a lower passer rating allowed and a higher PFSN Impact Score than any safety on Chicago’s roster last year. He’ll only be 27 years old at the end of March. Should be a key point of this defense for the next few years.”

— Jacob Infante

What’s next

The Bears will look to integrate Bryant into their defensive scheme during the offseason and training camp, with the goal of having him ready to make an immediate impact in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The addition of Coby Bryant represents a clear effort by the Bears to rebuild and strengthen their secondary, which was a weak spot for the team last season. His versatility, playmaking ability, and potential to stay healthy could make him a vital player in Chicago’s defense, potentially elevating the entire unit into one of the most competitive in the league.