We’re nine days away from the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. When I have to spell out the number of days, you know it’s close. We’re down to profiling the last 10% of the Bengals’ 90-man roster. Check out previous player profiles here.

The next player on the countdown is back home, hoping to achieve a mission

Bryan Cook Player Profile

Age: 26
Year: 5th
Position: Safety
College: Cincinnati
Jersey Number: 6

Bryan Cook was originally selected No. 62 overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to the NFL, Cook played four years at the college level starting at Howard (2017-18) and then transferred to Cincinnati (2020-21). He was born and raised in Cincy and played high school ball at Mount Healthy. For the Bearcats, Cook helped spark the first-ever College Football Playoff appearance for a Group of Five school.

Kansas City won back-to-back Super Bowls during Cook’s first two seasons. He became a starter at the start of the 2023 season, and only missed five games since. He racked up 228 tackles, 15 passes defensed, four tackles for loss, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one sack with the Chiefs.

Contract details

Cook signed a three-year, $40,250,000 deal with the Bengals during free agency. His base salary is $3,400,000 this season, and he can earn up to $500,000 in per game roster bonuses throughout the year. He’s already earned an $11,000,000 signing bonus, a $3,000,000 roster bonus, and a $100,000 workout bonus. He’s scheduled to make $18,000,000 in cash this year. His salary cap hit for the season comes out to $10,666,666 due to the signing bonus being prorated over the life of the contract.

Roster outlook

Cincinnati agreed to terms with Cook before anyone else when free agency began in March. The need for a competent safety was dire for the Bengals, and he relished the idea of coming back home to get his third ring for the city that’s never won one.

“The opportunity to play in front of your loved ones is always a blessing,” Cook said back in June. “I did at the collegiate level, you know, playing for UC, and then at the professional level, I think the stakes a little higher. Because I came back home, now I’m married with two kids, so you know, having the opportunity for my family that I’m creating to experience with them that I was born in, and came from, it’s a remarkable opportunity for me.”

Cook is going to start next to Jordan Battle for the year and provide much-needed leadership and stability to Cincy’s defensive backfield. It would surprise no one if he ends up being selected as a team captain as well.

Roster odds: 100%