Skip to main content

Bears should explore Donovan Wilson after latest Coby Bryant injury update

Chicago suddenly needs more depth at safety, and the former Cowboys starter could provide an experienced solution.
Jul 31, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Coby Bryant (2) runs with the ball during Training Camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jul 31, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Coby Bryant (2) runs with the ball during Training Camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The story of the week for the Chicago Bears has been the frustrating injury to Coby Bryant. The defending Super Bowl champ is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the preseason and early in the 2026 season, with an exact timeline of return not yet clear. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it is an injury that will keep Bryant on the shelf for at least 8-10 weeks, meaning that the first weeks of the 2026 season will be missed.

It is hardly an ideal development when you consider that the Bears are attempting to replace both Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard. Losing both of your starting safeties as well as depth pieces Jonathan Owens and C.J. Gardner-Johnson has left the position as a bit of a question mark without Bryant. Leading us to look at a potential camp signing that would add a bit of depth and make sense for both sides.

Donovan Wilson remains a free agent and is coming off an undeniably rough season with the Dallas Cowboys. However, Wilson has previously been a productive presence, offering 101 tackles and an interception in the 2022 season. The Bears don't have to find this version of Wilson, but simply need a veteran in the mix to add a wildcard and a bit of needed experience.

Bears Should Explore Signing Donovan Wilson After Latest Coby Bryant Injury Update

Looking at the potential signing, there simply isn't a downside to bringing in a player who has a history of being a productive starter. Even if this doesn't prove to be the case under Dennis Allen, you have the benefit from experience for a young position group and a wildcard contributor until Bryant is able to get healthy and return to the field.

No question there really isn't a downside to adding the safety understanding any signing is going to be one that can be easily escaped if Wilson isn't able to contribute. You also are giving yourself a chance to find a great third piece behind Bryant and Dillon Thieneman if the safety is able to turn back the clock a bit.

It would be a fitting final move for Ryan Poles as the franchise looks to defend its NFC North title. Taking a cheap flyer on a bit of depth makes sense for both sides and eases some of the concern around how the Bears are going to survive the first weeks of the regular season without the star safety in the lineup.

| More Bears News and Rumors |

Add us as a preferred source on Google