Coby Bryant’s Breakout Came at Safety - But Will It Be Enough to Keep Him in Seattle?
Back in 2021, the Cincinnati Bearcats had one of the most electrifying secondaries in college football - headlined by Sauce Gardner, sure, but don’t forget about Coby Bryant. While Gardner’s become a household name, Bryant’s path has been more winding. Now, after a breakout stretch at strong safety, he’s heading into free agency with a lot more leverage - and a lot more questions about where he’ll play next.
A Position Change That Changed Everything
Bryant entered the league in 2022 as a fourth-round pick and was immediately asked to play slot corner - not exactly a natural fit. He held his own, but the Seahawks wanted more.
When they spent a top-five pick on Devon Witherspoon in 2023, it effectively pushed Bryant out of the rotation. That year, he played in just nine games and started only two.
But even when he wasn’t seeing the field, teammates and coaches noticed something: Bryant had a knack for taking the ball away in practice. He just needed the right role to unlock it. That role came midway through the 2024 season, when Seattle moved him to strong safety - and that’s when everything clicked.
In his first start at the position, Bryant racked up 11 tackles and snagged an interception. From that point on, he never looked back - or sat back down.
A Breakout Season, Right on Time
Bryant’s 2025 season wasn’t just solid - it was the kind of year that turns heads in front offices across the league. He posted career highs in interceptions (4), passes defended (7), and tackles for loss (4).
Over the past two seasons, he’s allowed just four touchdown passes while picking off seven. That’s the kind of production that earns you a second contract - and a raise.
According to Spotrac, Bryant’s projected market value sits at $14.3 million per year heading into 2026. That’s a big leap for a player who wasn’t even starting a season ago. But it’s also the going rate for a playmaker in today’s NFL - especially one who can cover, tackle, and create turnovers.
The Seahawks Have a Decision to Make
Here’s where things get complicated for Seattle. Bryant is hitting free agency for the first time, and while the Seahawks have the cap space to bring him back, they’ve got other priorities too.
Running back Kenneth Walker, edge rusher Boye Mafe, cornerback Josh Jobe, and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed are all due for new deals. You can’t pay everybody - and Bryant may be the odd man out.
It’s not for lack of interest. Seattle reportedly tried to negotiate an extension with Bryant last offseason, but he and his camp decided to wait.
That bet paid off - Bryant boosted his value significantly with his 2025 performance. But while Seattle shifted its focus to locking up right tackle Abraham Lucas, Bryant’s price tag kept climbing.
Now, general manager John Schneider has to weigh the cost of keeping Bryant against the depth the team already has. Ty Okada filled in admirably when Bryant missed time, and the Seahawks may feel confident enough in their safety room to let Bryant walk.
What’s Next?
Bryant has proven he’s more than just a depth piece - he’s a legitimate starter with ball-hawking instincts and positional versatility. He’s also shown resilience, adapting to a new role and thriving in it when given the chance. That kind of growth doesn’t go unnoticed around the league.
Whether Seattle makes a push to re-sign him or not, Bryant’s earned his shot - and he’s going to get paid. The only question now is: will his next chapter be in the Pacific Northwest, or somewhere else entirely?
One thing’s for sure: Coby Bryant bet on himself - and he won.