The Chicago Bears' secondary went through a major overhaul this offseason. That's not so usual for a unit that led the league in takeaways, and finding suitable replacements was a tall order for general manager Ryan Poles.
That's why they set their sights on one of the most underrated defensive backs in the game, signing Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million deal. He was overlooked in the Seattle Seahawks' stacked defense, but he played an instrumental role in their Super Bowl run.
Bryant's addition didn't make that much noise at the time, but the Bears are finally getting some credit for it. In Jeremy Fowler's annual position surveys, an unnamed NFL coordinator gushed about Bryant, one of the honorable mentions on the list:
"I love him. He's a corner by trade, so he has good feet and ball skills, but he will hit, too, now," the coordinator said.
Coby Bryant can be a difference-maker for the Bears
The Bears got a true steal when Dillon Thieneman fell right into their laps in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Even so, he's a rookie, and while he seems to be ahead of schedule, Bryant will have plenty of weight on his shoulders early on.
He's elite in coverage, and he probably would've gotten much more recognition if he played cornerback instead of safety. Notably, he might be asked to spend plenty of time in the slot in Chicago if Kyler Gordon can' stay healthy.
Bryant played (and started) in 15 games last season, piling up 66 total tackles, four tackles for loss, a career-best four picks, seven pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He was also an elite communicator and the ultimate glue guy in the defensive backfield.
The Bears' defense relied way too much on takeaways last season, but that's not a sustainable formula. They have to get the opposing offense off the field, and Bryant is a specialist in that regard. He'll hold his ground against tight ends, running backs, and speedy slot receivers and make life difficult for anyone in his path.
Defensive backs coach Al Harris has been a master at helping his players become true ball-hawks, and with Bryant's instincts, it wouldn't be shocking to see him follow Kevin Byard III's steps and not only set a new mark in interceptions but also lead the league in picks.
The Bears' defense will need as much help as they can get from the secondary, as they're rather thin in the trenches. As such, signing a criminally overlooked player like Coby Bryant can be a season-defining move.
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