This will be the fourth offseason since Jessie Bates left, and the search for his replacement continues for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Perhaps one of these players could fit the bill?
Let’s take a look at some of the upcoming free agent safeties for the Bengals to target.
Bryan Cook
Could it be time for Cincinnati native and UC alum Bryan Cook to return home?
The 26-year-old has started for the Chiefs for three seasons. While he did not have any interceptions this season, he had two a year ago. He also has 163 tackles over the past two seasons.
Cook is just entering his prime, but he has already played at a high level in some big games. His combination of youth and experience makes him a perfect candidate for the Bengals.
Plus, with all of their money woes, the Chiefs are unlikely to be able to pay him to stick around.
Kamren Curl
Kamren Curl has been a full-time starter since he entered the league six years ago. At age 26, he has 86 starts and 586 tackles to his name.
Curl has the versatility to play both strong and free safety, so acquiring him would not limit the team in the draft.
He started his career in Washington but is coming off an excellent season with the Rams, in which he had 122 tackles and 2 interceptions.
Kevin Byard
Kevin Byard has been one of the league’s top safeties for years, and at 32, he doesn’t look to be slowing down. He has 36 career interceptions, including a league-leading seven with the Bears this season.
Byard would give the Bengals a seasoned leader in the secondary. He would make sure communication was on point and be an excellent resource for Jordan Battle and, dare I say, Caleb Downs?
Byard’s most recent contract was $15 over two years, and I would imagine he should still be a reasonably affordable option.
Jaylinn Hawkins
This would be an ironic twist.
Jaylinn Hawkins started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, then in 2023, he was benched in favor of Jessie Bates.
Hawkins bounced around a bit after that, but last year he ended up in New England, where he had a career high 4 interceptions and proved himself to be a sure tackler.
Despite having 47 career starts to his name, Hawkins is only 28 years old.
He would bring experience and dependability to the Bengals’ secondary, as well as a strong leader who can get them lined up properly.
Coby Bryant
Start with a Bearcat, end with a Bearcat.
Bryant came out of UC in the draft as Sauce Gardner and Cook, though much later in the draft.
He played in the slot early in his career with the Seahawks, but Mike Macdonald moved him to deep safety this season, and it appears to be a good fit.
Bryant had 66 tackles and 4 interceptions this past season.
At 26 and still new to the position, Bryant is a risky acquisition with a lot of upside.
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