The Bears’ defense can survive a lot of things, but it can’t afford to lose its edge on the back end. That’s why Coby Bryant may end up being one of the most important additions Chicago made this offseason, even if he’s not the name drawing the loudest buzz.
Chicago’s 2025 defense got by on takeaways, because the down-to-down numbers were rough. The unit finished well below league average in success rate, EPA allowed per play, and total yards allowed. Without all those turnovers, the season could have gone sideways.
Now the Bears are asking Bryant to help replace what Kevin Byard brought before leaving for the New England Patriots. Byard led the team in interceptions last season, and Bryant was brought in to fill that same ball-hawking lane.
That role matters more than the average offseason signing. Ben Johnson’s team is counting on the veteran safety to deliver in 2026, and Bryant has the résumé to justify the bet.
Over the last two seasons, he has picked off seven passes and forced three fumbles. In 2025, he became a major piece of Mike Macdonald’s defense and played well over 1,000 defensive snaps.
Chicago paid for that upside. Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million deal in free agency, making him the Bears’ priciest addition of the offseason. Still, he hasn’t gotten a ton of attention since arriving.
Matt Bowen of ESPN did highlight him, though, ranking Bryant 29th in a recent look at the offseason’s most impactful additions. 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."
That’s the part of this move that could swing everything. Ryan Poles invested heavily in a safety group that was already a strength last season, even after Byard and Jaquan Brisker moved on. Bryant and Thieneman are the replacements, and if the rookie gets up to speed quickly, Chicago should still have one of the league’s best safety pairings.
But Bryant is the one who can make the whole thing work. His turnover production will decide whether the Bears get the return they’re chasing.
This defense isn’t built to cruise into the top 10 by simply stacking routine stops. It needs splash plays, and Bryant is supposed to be one of the players who delivers them.
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