As a member of the successful 2022 NFL Draft class, safety Bryan Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He’s had a rollercoaster career in Kansas City, including a serious ankle injury. Still, he comes into this season healthy and ready to prove he can be an impactful defender.
One of the strongest aspects of the Chiefs’ defense is their secondary. Although they lost Justin Reid in free agency, Bryan Cook returns for his fourth NFL season. Yes, it’s a contract year, and the jury is still out on whether he will be a long-term fit for the Chiefs.
The former second-round pick from Cincinnati had an outstanding rookie year. As part of the best draft class in team history, he found his rhythm. However, injuries slowed him down; he is now fully healthy and prepared for the 2025 season.
Cook is a critical part of the Chiefs’ defense, and with second-year player Jaden Hicks prepared to take on a larger role, the back end is in good shape. Still, Cook has something to prove if he wants to earn a long-term spot in Kansas City.
There’s no doubt that, when healthy, Cook is a playmaker. However, he hasn’t been as consistent throughout his career in Kansas City as both he and the Chiefs would like to see on Sundays.
However, he possesses the kind of speed in the secondary that allows him to catch up to defenders. It’s challenging to assess his overall performance because injuries have hindered his career.
Cook will receive substantial help this season. With Hicks emerging, the Chiefs also strengthened their secondary by adding free agent cornerback Kristian Fulton and drafting Nohl Williams in the third round.
Add Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to that, as they’re also in contract seasons, and they bring speed and play-making skills to the secondary. They’ll need it against the best quarterbacks in the NFL this season, not named Patrick Mahomes.
Instead, they get to practice against him, and iron sharpens iron. The fact that Cook and his defensive secondary teammates have to face the three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback every day helps them prepare to face the likes of Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and others this season.
Still, Cook needs to play well because the Chiefs lack depth at the position. Mike Edwards returned to the team after spending last season in Tampa. He’s the primary backup for now.
The team has two young, undrafted safeties in Glendon Miller and Kevin Knowles, but they are unlikely to replace Edwards as the backup behind Cook.
Regardless, it’s crucial for Cook to stay healthy, and even more important that he and Hicks are aligned defensively. The role of the free safety is essential to the Chiefs’ defense.
In most cases, Cook is the last line of defense, and I want to see him be more aggressive in open spaces when he is the final line of defense. Hicks is excellent at tackling defenders, using his shoulder and arms to lock them up.
That’s something Cook also needs to do.
Fortunately, Chiefs Secondary Coach Dave Merritt is one of the best in the business, and there’s no doubt this is the strongest unit he’s had since arriving in Kansas City. For them to get back to the AFC Title game and a Super Bowl, he needs to get a big year from Cook.
If that happens, maybe he stays in Kansas City. But again, a big year could also bring a big payday from another NFL team in 2026.
