When Al Golden sat with reporters at the 2026 Combine, he made it known that he wants to add veteran talent on the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive side of the ball. As things currently stand, Cincinnati could use an influx of talent at all levels of its unit.
Trey Hendrickson appears to be on his way out of Cincinnati, and while they will look to re-bolster the defensive front, recent reports have them heavily interested in proven last-line defenders. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler has become a reliable voice on NFL rumors, and he keeps hearing buzz on the Bengals being in on a couple of safeties, potentially Bryan Cook of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Fowler writes:
“The Jets and the Bengals come up often in conversations about safeties at or towards the top of the (free agent) market. Kansas City’s Bryan Cook remains a key figure in this market. The Chiefs could look to backfill the position if they lose Cook, too.”
Cook is a hot name connected with the Bengals this offseason for a lot of reasons. One is that Geno Stone also appears on his way out of Cincinnati, paving the way for a need for another rangy safety like Cook.
Another is that Cook is a homegrown Cincinnati product, going to Mount Healthy High School. He initially accepted a scholarship offer to play cornerback at Howard University, but transferred back to his hometown, the Cincinnati Bearcats, after moving to safety.
Cook was projected to be a late-day two or early-day-three pick, but the Chiefs snagged him with the No. 62 overall pick (second round) in the 2022 Draft. He won two Super Bowls with Kansas City and has been a solid starter for their defense since 2023.
Cook is known as a reliable all-around defender with a low missed tackle rate. Per Pro Football Focus metrics, Cook graded fourth out of 98 qualifying safeties in overall grade (83.5).
And for what it’s worth, Jacob Camenker of USA Today predicted the Bengals to sign Cook in free agency. So there’s that.
As we previously reported, also by Fowler, the Bengals have also been linked to Colts safety Nick Cross, who is known as a stout run defender. Even if Cincinnati grabs Cross and/or Cook, they also appear committed to Jordan Battle for the long-term as well, as the major figureheads have been talking him up quite a bit this offseason.
Kamren Curl’s recent contract will undoubtedly set a barometer for what the Bengals may do with Cook or Cross here. Curl received an extension to the tune of three years for $36 million ($24 million guaranteed) days prior to the onset of free agency.
What would you think about Cincinnati signing Cook and/or Cross?
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