He's won two already with the Chiefs, and he is eager to get more with his new teammates and coaching staff.
Through two days of the 2026 NFL free agency period, the Cincinnati Bengals have set the tone of working towards getting back to playoff and Super Bowl contention this season. After missing the playoffs for three straight years, general manager Duke Tobin made it clear that the defense needed to be upgraded across the board; the Bengals' defensive unit was statistically one of the worst in the NFL in 2025.
They have started off the new league year with a promising outlook, as they signed former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Boye Mafe, former Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, and former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. The veteran defensive tackle and former Pro Bowler will provide veteran leadership and a tenacious mentality, while the two young rising stars and former Super Bowl winners will provide a championship pedigree to a defensive unit that severely lacks leadership and experience.
Former Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) | © Peter Casey-Imagn ImagesWhile the Bengals are on the right track to rebuilding the defense, they also lost two key pieces simultaneously. Defensive end Joseph Ossai departed for the New York Jets, while the 2024 NFL Sack Leader, Trey Hendrickson, signed with a division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. With the superstar edge rusher’s departure, the roster possesses just one remaining defensive player from the 2021 Bengals Super Bowl roster in defensive tackle BJ Hill.
With the lack of experience from the defensive core being emphasized, Cook was asked whether he felt his new team could win a championship in his introductory press conference.
“Oh yeah, of course,” said Cook. “When it can be done, and you’ve done it multiple times, now you’re asking how can you do it differently because time is always moving. Now it’s a different challenge … I firmly believe we can get it done again, and that’s always the goal. Why are we doing it for if you’re not trying to be the best?”
Cincinnati has desperately lacked championship experience over the past couple of years, and Cook wants to change the narrative around this defense. The former safety for the Bengals, Geno Stone, significantly lacked tackling ability, which is one of Cook’s greatest skills. Not only is tackling important for a great defense, but it’s something that shows grit and tenacity that can allow his teammates to rally around him and want to strive to be at his level.
These new additions look to immediately change the culture of a lackluster defensive unit. Mentality will go a long way for a young defense, and providing proven winners that are hungry to get more may be the best possible influence on other young players. With one of the best offenses in the league led by superstars Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, the defense needs to be at least average or better to get this team back to the playoffs.