• Coby Bryant emerges as a realistic safety target for the Bengals after a successful conversion to safety in Seattle.
  • Jaylinn Hawkins and Kamren Curl offer veteran run-defense and coverage upgrades at safety.
  • Boye Mafe could provide a versatile pass-rush option without a top-market price tag.

Why Coby Bryant makes sense for Cincinnati

The Bengals enter the offseason with clear defensive holes and limited appetite to chase top-market contracts. Coby Bryant, a Cleveland native currently with the Seattle Seahawks, could be a value play who fits Cincinnati’s scheme and culture. Bryant converted from cornerback to safety in the NFL and has been effective in coverage — the last two seasons he’s allowed only three touchdowns, intercepted seven passes and yielded a passer rating of 78.2.

Bryant’s tackling dipped slightly in 2025, but he remains reliable in coverage and well-suited to the complex looks Mike Macdonald employs. A move to Cincinnati would be a partial homecoming and could give the Bengals a leader in the secondary who can help stabilize a defense that has struggled to finish plays.

Jaylinn Hawkins: proven starter ready for a payday

New England’s Jaylinn Hawkins could be another attainable target. After early-career setbacks, Hawkins broke out with the Patriots and finished the season as one of PFF’s top safeties — seventh overall, eighth in coverage and third in run defense. His 2025 passer rating allowed was just 73.7, and his missed tackle rate (11.4%) is far better than some incumbents the Bengals have used.

Hawkins carries a modest current cap hit and should command a significantly higher average annual value on his next deal. He could be an immediate upgrade in run support and coverage if Cincinnati is willing to pursue multiple safety additions.

Boye Mafe: edge versatility and upside

Boye Mafe offers a different kind of target — a pass rusher who has shown flashes despite modest box-score numbers in 2025. Seattle’s heavy rotation and schematic alignments limited his counting stats, but Mafe has produced strong pressure and is a stout run defender. In 2023 he posted nine sacks, 58 pressures and several pass-deflections; his role and snap distribution with the Seahawks suggest he could thrive as a primary edge on a team that gives him more consistent snaps.

If the Bengals want to add a young, athletic edge without overpaying, Mafe fits that profile and could complement Cincinnati’s defensive front immediately.

Kamren Curl: elite run defender and leadership piece

Kamren Curl is the premium name on this list and might be the toughest to pry away from the Rams. PFF graded him as the league’s top safety in run defense; he recorded 79 solo tackles and 122 stops, missing just 8.5% of his tackle attempts. Curl brings instincts, tackling consistency and leadership — traits the Bengals sorely need.

Realistically, Curl is an aspirational target unless Cincinnati makes a standout offer. Still, adding him (or one of the other safeties) would address a glaring need and give Joe Burrow more support from the back end.

Bottom line

Cincinnati will likely shop smart rather than splash, and Coby Bryant represents a realistic, impactful free-agent target. Jaylinn Hawkins and Boye Mafe could be shrewd additions, while Kamren Curl remains a high-end option if the Bengals go bold.

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