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Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Safety a Top Target for the Jets
Main Photo: [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Imagn Images

Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Safety a Top Target for the Jets

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Michael Zimmelman  |  Last updated Feb 17, 2026 12:30 PM ET

Entering the offseason, major changes are still needed. Thankfully, head coach Aaron Glenn reflected on the team’s failures of 2025 and decided to overhaul the coaching staff. Now, after being expected to be more hands-on with the defense this year, the team needs to crush the offseason. Fortunately, they will have options. As expected, the team needs help on defense. Even though they will get major help in the draft, they still need veterans to help lead them. While he may be overlooked, this two-time Super Bowl Champion safety could be a worthwhile addition.

Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Safety a Top Target for the Jets

During a trying 2025 season, the team recognizes it can’t allow this defense to go down the same path without significant upgrades. Especially after becoming the only team in the history of the sport to not record an interception in a season. Thankfully, Aaron Glenn’s return to play-calling will be a significant boost. However, it will be for nought unless the team adds playmakers. In order to improve, they will need reliable veterans to help. With significant cap space, they can make a very appealing offer. One target that could be emerging is longtime Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook.

Free Agent Safety Bryan Cook

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Bryan Cook committed to play for Howard University in 2017. After two seasons at the Washington D.C. college, Cook returned home after committing to play for the University of Cincinnati. Along with a homecoming for Cook, the transfer offered more than just returning to his hometown. Due to the number of cornerbacks the Bearcats had(including future top-5 draft pick Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner), the position group was crowded. As a result, Cook would change positions from cornerback to safety. The new position turned out to be very beneficial to both Cook and the team. During his senior year, Cook finished with 96 tackles, including five tackles for loss, with a sack and an interception as Cincinnati finished the year going undefeated in the regular season.

Success in Kansas City

After helping the Bearcats reach the College Football Playoff, Cook generated a lot of interest from NFL scouts. Fortunately, his efforts allowed him to be selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Beginning in 2022 as a backup, Cook would eventually start his first career game in week 12 vs. the Los Angeles Rams. After reaching the playoffs, Cook would come up with a key deflection that led to a Juan Thornhill interception against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals to help the Chiefs win the AFC Conference Championship game. Kansas City would go on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles to win their third Super Bowl in franchise history.

Cook would go on to win the starting strong safety job next to free safety Justin Reid. In week nine, Cook would record his first career touchdown after returning a fumble against the Miami Dolphins in Germany. Unfortunately, Cook would be placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury that ended his regular season in early December. Through 12 games as a starter, Cook recorded 42 total tackles, with two fumble recoveries and an interception. While his season ended prematurely, the Chiefs would go on to defeat the San Francisco 49ers to win their second Super Bowl in a row.

2024 would arguably be Cook’s strongest. Cook finished the season with 78 total tackles, five pass deflections, and two interceptions. After missing the previous year’s Super Bowl, Cook would start his second Super Bowl game, including an interception of quarterback Jalen Hurts. Alas, the Eagles would defeat Kansas City 42-20. Despite a frustrating 2025 for the Chiefs, Cook had a productive year. He finished 2025 with a career high of 85 total tackles through 17 games.

Cook can provide stability & playoff experience

With the need for a complete 180 on defense, Cook could be a wise target to pursue. Between his playoff experience and tackling abilities, he’d be a great fit for the secondary after playing for respected defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. After reaching three consecutive Super Bowls to begin his career, Cook gained valuable playoff experience before turning 25.

While he will have options, the Jets cap space can allow general manager Darren Mougey make a competitive offer. If signed, pairing Cook with a versatile playmaker like Malachi Moore would be a boost for the secondary. Along with benefiting Moore, it can also help cornerbacks Brandon Stephens & Azareye’h Thomas as well. Despite missing time with a shoulder injury in December, Thomas showed signs of productivity. Having Cook back there as a security blanket could help Thomas’ development. In addition, after seeing the growth Aaron Glenn had with Detroit Lions safety duo Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, perhaps Aaron Glenn can bring out the best in Cook if signed.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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