Coby Bryant Set to Lead Bears’ Safety Group After Major Free Agent Signing

The Chicago Bears are moving forward with recently signed safety Coby Bryant as their anchor at the position following his three-year, $40 million deal, signaling a shift in their draft priorities ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. The decision comes as the team looks to address greater roster needs at left tackle, defensive end, and defensive tackle, making a first-round investment in a safety unlikely this year.

Bryant, 27, addressed the added responsibility as the team opened voluntary offseason workouts this week, expressing confidence in his new role while indicating he does not feel pressured to assume leadership in the secondary. Bryant is expected to partner with either a mid-round draft pick, a reserve elevated to starter, or a recent signing with minimal starting experience.

The Bears' other current options at safety alongside Bryant remain limited. Cam Lewis, who joined from the Buffalo Bills last month, brings versatility but has started only 14 NFL games and played less than half of the Bills’ defensive snaps last season. Recent additions Elijah Hicks and Gervarrius Owens have even less experience, with Hicks making 15 career starts and Owens yet to start an NFL game.

While the Bears hold picks at Nos. 57, 60, and 89 in upcoming rounds, they are expected to prioritize other critical positions unless value presents itself. Prospects like South Carolina’s Jalon Kilgore and Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley could be considered in later rounds, rather than investing heavily at safety early in the draft.

Bryant arrives in Chicago after evolving into a central defensive figure with the Seattle Seahawks, having learned under veteran safety Quandre Diggs and contributing to a Super Bowl-winning unit. As the team moves on from veterans Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, Bryant is expected to provide immediate high-level play and leadership to a group in transition.

With the offseason program underway and draft plans focused elsewhere, the Bears are counting on Bryant’s experience to stabilize the defense, while evaluation for his running mate at safety continues. The team has yet to announce a final decision on additional acquisitions or draft targets for the position.