Bears Quickly Snag Super Bowl Champ Coby Bryant in Free Agency

New safety reveals Chicago wasted no time pursuing him as a top offseason target.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Bears made a splash in free agency by signing former Seahawks safety Coby Bryant to a 3-year, $40 million deal. Bryant revealed that the Bears called him at 7am on the first day of free agency, showing how eager they were to land the Super Bowl champion and solidify their secondary.

Why it matters

The Bears had a major need at safety after losing both of their starters from last season. Signing Bryant, who has emerged as a top playmaker at the position over the past two seasons, helps fill a critical hole on their defense as they look to build on their progress from 2025.

The details

Bryant, who won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks last year, said the Bears' quick pursuit and clear desire to have him on the team was a major factor in his decision to sign with Chicago. The Bears have been active in free agency, but landing Bryant was their biggest move so far this offseason.

  • The Bears signed Bryant on the first day of free agency (March 15, 2026).
  • Bryant said the Bears called him at 7am local time (9am ET) on the first day of free agency.

The players

Coby Bryant

A former Seahawks safety who won a Super Bowl championship in 2025 and has emerged as one of the top playmakers at his position over the past two seasons.

Dennis Allen

The Bears' defensive coordinator, who will be tasked with integrating Bryant into the team's defensive scheme.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Just the sense of being wanted. They called me at 7 a.m., and I'm in Arizona so they called me pretty early, and I had just woken up, that struck it right there, honestly. Them pursuing to get me over there, it wasn't easy, being in Seattle for four years but ultimately I'm blessed and that's what led me to Chicago.”

— Coby Bryant, New Bears Safety

What’s next

Bryant will look to quickly integrate himself into the Bears' defense and provide a veteran presence in the secondary as the team aims to build on its progress from the 2025 season.

The takeaway

The Bears' aggressive pursuit of Coby Bryant on the first day of free agency underscores their commitment to improving their defense and secondary this offseason. Landing a Super Bowl champion like Bryant is a major coup that should pay dividends for Chicago in 2026 and beyond.