Bryan Cook: Everything you need to know

Cook agreed to terms Monday on a three-year, $40.25 million contract with the Bengals, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Cook solidified himself as a starter at safety for the Chiefs in 2024 and further built on that success in 2025, when he totaled 85 tackles (50 solo) and six passes defensed while suiting up for all 17 regular-season games. He's positioned as a locked-in starter for Cincinnati's secondary for the 2026 campaign and beyond.

Cook recorded 85 tackles (50 solo) and six passes defensed in 17 games with Kansas City in 2025. After emerging as a starter last season, Cook remained one of the Chiefs' top producers in their defensive backfield in 2025, notching new career highs in total tackles and in passes defensed. It might have been a bit disappointing that he could not come away with any interceptions, but he almost certainly did enough in the final year of his rookie deal to earn a second NFL contract and a big raise, whether that be in Kansas City or elsewhere. He is currently on track to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

Cook tallied eight tackles (four solo) and one pass defense during the Chiefs' 20-13 loss to the Broncos on Thursday. Cook played every single defensive snap and finished tied for the fourth-most tackles on the Chiefs during Thursday's loss. The fourth-year safety is up to 79 combined tackles through 16 regular-season games, surpassing his previous career high of 78 tackles (in 17 regular-season games) in 2024. Cook will look to add to his total in the Chiefs' regular-season finale against the Raiders in Week 18.