One of the first moves the Chicago Bears made in free agency was signing safety Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million contract.
It was praised by many as an important move, since it filled a massive hole in the roster. FOX Sports NFL reporter Eric Williams took it a step further as he ranked Bryant's addition to Chicago seventh on the top 10 best under-the-radar signings of free agency so far.
"The Cincinnati product emerged as a part-time role player at cornerback in his first two years with the Seattle Seahawks, into a full-time starter at safety who helped propel one of the best defenses in the league to a Super Bowl. Bryant is a versatile playmaker who is a sure tackler in the running game and should help solidify a defense that lost safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in free agency."
Bears getting praised for Coby Bryant signing
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 last season with the Seattle Seahawks. He played a key role in helping Seattle win the Super Bowl with 10 tackles and two pass deflections in the postseason.
The Bears are going to need Bryant in a big way this season, with more responsibility on his shoulders as he replaces Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker at safety. Bryant will be seen as a leader on that defense and will help veterans like cornerback Jaylon Johnson keep the defense playing well.
Last season, the Bears were one of the worst defenses in the league statistically, despite leading the NFL with 33 takeaways. Bryant has to come in not only to create turnovers but also to stop offenses from driving down the field game after game.
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On paper, it seems like a great deal to get a young, up-and-rising safety in free agency, but whether Bryant will live up to his contract won't be known until he takes the field in 2026.