The Chicago Bears were reportedly ready to move on from Jaquan Brisker at safety and that has become official for the team.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Bears are signing Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant to a free agent deal. Bryan was a former fourth-round pick of the Seahawks from back in 2022.
Last season with the Super Bowl champions, Byant racked up 66 tackles, seven pass deflections, four tackles for loss, a career-high four interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 15 games. He had 10 tackles and two pass deflections during their long playoff run.
Bears sign safety Coby Bryant
The Bears were expected to move on from Brisker after his inconsistencies in the secondary and in coverage. Even with Kevin Byard, Chicago struggled in coverage, but Byard at least played well enough to nab a league-high seven interceptions and earn All-Pro honors.
Bryant should be able to solve those coverage issues at safety and give the Bears the boost needed in the secondary. His interceptions last season were a big reason Chicago had to consider Bryant a legitimate signing.
The next move the Bears need to make in the secondary is to get Byard on a new deal to work with Bryant. Bears general manager Ryan Poles has publicly stated that he wants Byard back, but they just need to get the right deal in place to bring him back.
Chicago is showing that they are focused on defense to start free agency, with defensive tackle Neville Gallimore being signed to the defensive line as the first outside signing. Bears defensive end Daniel Hardy and linebacker D'Marco Jackson have re-signed with the team over the last 24 hours.
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The Bears have more work to do, but they at least have some good pieces on defense in place.