NFL expert names Bengals safety as Cincinnati’s potential biggest bust in 2026

Gridiron Heroics · Jul 22, 2026 12:44 · 3 min read

Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) walks down the hill to the practice fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Bryan Cook and the Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2026 NFL season with increased scrutiny after one NFL analyst identified the veteran safety as the team’s leading candidate to fall short of expectations. The projection places added pressure on Cook as he looks to establish himself as a reliable contributor in Cincinnati’s secondary while proving he ...

Cook arrived with experience and the reputation of being a physical, disciplined defender capable of helping stabilize the back end of a defense. His ability to support against the run, communicate coverages and bring toughness to the secondary made him an appealing addition for a Bengals team seeking greater consistency on defense. Even so, expectations surrounding his role have created questions about whether he can deliver the level of impact anticipated.

The prediction is based largely on the challenge of transitioning into a new defensive system while taking on increased responsibility. Safeties are expected to diagnose offensive formations, organize defensive alignments and react quickly to changing situations. Any struggles in communication or coverage can expose the entire defense, making the position one of the most demanding on the field.

Despite the skepticism, Cook possesses qualities that could allow him to outperform expectations. He has demonstrated sound tackling ability, willingness to play near the line of scrimmage and the versatility to contribute in multiple defensive packages. If he adapts quickly to Cincinnati’s scheme and develops chemistry with the rest of the secondary, he could become a dependable presence rather than the liability some projections suggest.

NFL Expert Names Bryan Cook to Become Cincinnati Bengals’ Biggest Bust in 2026

Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) arrives prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Cook is projected to be Cincinnati’s bust candidate for 2026. This is detailed more in an analysis by Moe Moton for Bleacher Report.

Bryan Cook made our list of most overpaid players at each position because his new deal doesn’t match his recent production. The fourth-year veteran’s contract among safeties in cash this year.

In terms of cash, Cook will bank more money than some of the league’s top or ascending ball-hawking safeties such as Jessie Bates III, Xavier McKinney and Coby Bryant. Kudos to his agent for closing the deal, but the Cincinnati Bengals overpaid for him.

In four seasons, Cook has recorded three interceptions and 15 pass breakups, and he’s passer ratings above 128 in coverage in three campaigns. The 26-year-old isn’t going to move the needle on pass defense, which is what teams typically want out of high-paid safeties.

Competition and external expectations often accompany veteran acquisitions, particularly for teams with postseason ambitions. The Bengals are counting on defensive improvements to complement one of the league’s most explosive offenses, making Cook’s performance an important factor in the unit’s overall success. Consistency, communication and timely playmaking will be essential if he hopes to silence doubts throughout the season.

Preseason predictions rarely determine how a player ultimately performs, and Cook now has an opportunity to reshape the narrative through his play on the field. A productive 2026 campaign would not only strengthen Cincinnati’s defense but also demonstrate that early skepticism underestimated the value he can provide to a team with championship aspirations.