On a down-to-down basis, the 2025 Chicago Bears defense wasn't up to par. The unit finished well below league average in success rate, EPA allowed per play, and total yards allowed. Had Chicago not produced so many turnovers, the defense's deficiencies may have been enough to derail the season.
Kevin Byard, the safety who led the team in interceptions last season, has departed this offseason, joining the New England Patriots. The Bears' answer was to sign Coby Bryant. The former Seattle Seahawks safety can fill the same ball-hawking role left by Byard.
The degree to which he fills that role will be critical to the team's success in 2026. Ben Johnson's squad is relying on a big year from the veteran safety.
Coby Bryant is Bears' defensive X-factor in 2026
Bryant may not have matched Byard's ball production in recent years, but he has made his fair share of game-changing plays. He has logged seven interceptions and three forced fumbles over the last two seasons. He became a key fixture in Mike Macdonald's defense in 2025, playing well over 1,000 defensive snaps.
The veteran safety signed with the Bears through free agency, inking a three-year, $40 million deal. Despite being Chicago's most expensive offseason addition, Bryant hasn't garnered much attention since signing.
Matt Bowen of ESPN is taking notice, though. In a recent article ranking the most impactful additions in the NFL this offseason, he ranked Bryant 29th.
Bowen said, "Bryant brings ball skills (seven interceptions over the past two seasons) and deep range, plus he can spin down to cover. With both Bryant and [Dillon] Thieneman over the top, coordinator Dennis Allen can be aggressive with his front seven."
Credit general manager Ryan Poles for pouring resources into a safety group that was a strength of the defense last season. While Byard and Jaquan Brisker left the building, he replaced them with Bryant and Thieneman. Assuming the rookie can get up to speed quickly, the Bears will still have one of the NFL's strongest safety duos.
Thieneman will no doubt play a major role. He's a rangy safety with the versatility to play from multiple alignments.
Read more: Ryan Poles better be on the phone to help Bears acquire 2-time Pro Bowler
But Bryant's performance, and specifically his ability to produce turnovers, will determine whether Poles' offseason investment yields the return fans are hoping for. Chicago won't field a top-10 defense by steadily making stops. The unit will rely on game-changing plays from players like Bryant to keep opposing offenses at bay.
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