It’s the absolute dead period of the offseason, and the Cincinnati Bengals are resting up before training camp. We’re rounding out the defensive side of the ball in our position-by-position breakdowns of the Bengals’ 90-man roster and depth chart. Check out previous position breakdowns here.

It was no surprise to see Cincinnati sign multiple safeties during free agency. Both players will be tasked with making the position a strength just a year after it was a clear weakness.

Bengals Safety Depth Chart

Starters: Bryan Cook, Jordan Battle
Backups: Kyle Dugger, PJ Jules, Daijahn Anthony, Russ Yeast, Isaiah Nwokobia

The Starters

Bryan Cook was the first player the Bengals signed in free agency. A former second-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, Cook is taking over for the maligned Geno Stone next to Jordan Battle to complete the secondary. He was a three-year starter for the Kansas City Chiefs and a major factor in their stingy defense under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The 26-year old is also a Cincinnati native and played the final two years of his collegiate career at the University of Cincinnati. He helped the Bearcats become the first Group of Five program to reach the College Football Playoff in 2021.

Cook’s impact as a reliable tackler and communicator should very much aid Battle, who’s entering his second season as a full-time starter. Battle was taken in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Bengals. Now entering a contract year at age 25, he was an occasional contributor throughout his first two years with the club as veterans mostly played over him. He finally became a starter in 2025 and quietly forced six turnovers. He was also a culprit of many missed tackles and had as many downs as he had ups in coverage.

The Backups

Kyle Dugger is the new first safety off the bench. Signed a few weeks into free agency, the former New England Patriots cornerstone defender might just be the most underrated signed Cincy made this offseason. He’s started 78 games in his now seven-year career and earned a major contract extension just a few years ago with the Pats. Coaching changes and other things outside of his control led him to signing a minimal deal with the Bengals, but he has a good history of play.

PJ Jules looks to settle in as the special teamer do-it-all of the group. He made the team last year as a heartwarming underdog story, but proclaimed to fans this offseason he’s ready to replace former special teams ace Tycen Anderson. He’ll still have to fend of Daijahn Anthony, who was the fourth safety two years ago, as well as Russ Yeast and rookie undrafted free agent signing Isaiah Nwokobia.

Story to watch

How involved with Dugger be, and how much of a difference can Cook make? The plan for the former is going to be interesting to watch unfold throughout the season. The latter is vying to be an instant team captain, and has remarked about the privilege to come back to play for his hometown team.

Should the Bengals’ defense take a major leap this year, improved safety play will have to be a big reason why. Cook and Battle becoming a competent pairing, even just for this year, would go a long way with Dugger providing value in specific areas.

Projected Players on the 53-man roster

Starters: Bryan Cook, Jordan Battle
Backups: Kyle Dugger, PJ Jules