Bengals Could Upgrade Safety Room With Chiefs' Super Bowl Champion

ESPN analyst says Cincinnati should target veteran safety Bryan Cook in free agency.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to upgrade their defense this offseason, particularly at the safety position. ESPN's Matt Bowen has identified Chiefs safety Bryan Cook as the best free agent fit for the Bengals, citing Cook's versatility and experience winning multiple Super Bowls in Kansas City.

Why it matters

The Bengals' defense struggled last season, allowing the 26th-most passing yards per game in the NFL. Adding a proven safety like Cook, who has been part of championship teams in Kansas City, could help solidify the secondary and improve the overall defensive unit.

The details

Geno Stone is a free agent, so the Bengals need to make multiple additions to the safety room this offseason. Bowen believes Cook, a 26-year-old defensive back selected 62nd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, would be an ideal target for Cincinnati. Cook has three interceptions in his NFL career and won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, providing the kind of leadership and experience the Bengals' defense needs.

  • The Bengals are entering the 2026 NFL offseason.

The players

Geno Stone

A free agent safety who played for the Bengals in 2025.

Bryan Cook

A 26-year-old safety who has won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What they’re saying

“With Geno Stone heading to free agency, the Bengals could look to Cook, a versatile safety for the Chiefs in 2025 who can play from depth or spin down the front.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bengals will need to make a decision on whether to re-sign Geno Stone or pursue free agent safety Bryan Cook from the Chiefs in the offseason.

The takeaway

The Bengals' defense struggled last season, and adding a proven safety like Bryan Cook, who has won multiple Super Bowls with the Chiefs, could be a key offseason move to help solidify the secondary and improve the overall defensive unit.