Bears Sign Safety Coby Bryant to 3-Year Deal

GM Ryan Poles praises Bryant's playmaking ability and instincts

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:03pm

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The Chicago Bears have signed former Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant to a 3-year, $40 million contract. Bears GM Ryan Poles highlighted Bryant's impressive "play style", fast instincts, and ability to anticipate plays as key factors that made him a must-sign for the team. Poles revealed the Bears were able to steal Bryant away from the Seahawks, who were "pissed off" to lose the playmaking defensive back.

Why it matters

The Bears were in need of a playmaker in the secondary after the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in free agency. Bryant, who converted from cornerback to safety, had a breakout season with the Seahawks in 2025, recording 4 interceptions and helping lead them to the Super Bowl. His addition will bolster the Bears' defense, which led the NFL in takeaways and interceptions last season under coordinator Dennis Allen.

The details

Bryant, 26, signed a 3-year, $40 million deal with the Bears. He totaled 66 tackles, 4 interceptions, 7 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble for the Seahawks in 2025. Bears GM Ryan Poles praised Bryant's instincts, anticipation, and passion for the game, saying the team's scouts were "fired up" to add him. Poles revealed the Bears were able to sign Bryant despite heavy interest from the Seahawks, who were upset to lose the talented defensive back.

  • Bryant signed with the Bears on March 15, 2026.
  • In the 2025 season, Bryant had a career-high 4 interceptions for the Seahawks.

The players

Coby Bryant

A 26-year-old safety who converted from cornerback and had a breakout season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2025, making a key contribution to their Super Bowl run.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who praised Bryant's playmaking ability and instincts that made him a must-sign for the team.

Dennis Allen

The defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, whose unit led the NFL in takeaways and interceptions last season.

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What they’re saying

“He plays fast, instincts jump off the tape, his ability to anticipate. Like I said before, we're looking for guys that are passionate about ball. You can see that in his body language and how he moves.”

— Ryan Poles, General Manager, Chicago Bears

“Anytime you bring a player in and your phones go off, coaches, front office, on how pissed off Seattle was at not have in back, but also how fortunate we are to have a guy like this in our building.”

— Ryan Poles, General Manager, Chicago Bears

What’s next

The Bears will look to integrate Bryant into their secondary and defensive scheme led by coordinator Dennis Allen, who had great success with takeaways and interceptions last season.

The takeaway

The Bears have added a talented playmaker in Coby Bryant to their secondary, addressing a key need after losing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in free agency. Bryant's instincts, anticipation, and ball-hawking skills should make him a perfect fit in the Bears' aggressive defensive system, and his addition is a coup for GM Ryan Poles and the team.