The clock is ticking in Kansas City. And the preseason feels less like a warm-up and more like an audition under the bright lights for one Chiefs defender. It’s the bottom of the ninth for his future with the franchise.
Thirty-one days stand between the soon-to-be 26-year-old and either a second contract in Kansas City or an uncertain future. No pressure, kid—just every snap, every tackle, and every post-route you blow up will be clipped, tagged, and priced by 31 other front offices.
And that defender is Bryan Cook, who was Pro Football Focus' 84th-ranked safety with an overall grade of 63.7 in 2024. He will now be entering the final year of his rookie deal, but the Chiefs have bigger financial fish to fry.
For example, extending star cornerback Trent McDuffie is still on the charts. This puts Cook in a tough spot. He must stand out immediately to secure his place.
Cook's 2024 season was a solid step forward. He started all 17 regular-season games. And he racked up 78 tackles and two interceptions. He also started in all three of their 2024 postseason games, including Super Bowl 59. More importantly, he became a versatile piece for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit.
He played everywhere in the secondary. Be it the box, the slot, or free safety, Cook's run defense was truly elite as he earned an 82.8 grade against the run from PFF. That ranked him 14th among all safeties (against the run).
Cook even picked off Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during the Super Bowl. So, his strengths make him incredibly valuable in the tough AFC West. But is it enough for the Chiefs to pay him?
Chiefs Are Facing a Financial Game of Chess to Re-Sign S Bryan Cook
The Chiefs have a history of letting safeties walk in free agency. Juan Thornhill departed after the 2022 season. Justin Reid left this past offseason for New Orleans. The team seems to have a type: develop, then replace
However, Cook is an asset to the team at the moment. And he is aware of the business. He learned from Reid both on and off the field. “I lead in my own way,” Cook stated on July 23. “We’ve got a lot of leaders on this team; different faces. But at the end of the day, the chains keep going.”
With Reid gone, Cook is the experienced veteran in the safety room. This intangible quality could boost his value tremendously. But it all leads to a simple conclusion.
Cook’s fate hinges on his September performance. He needs a fast start to convince the front office he’s indispensable. The proof must be in the production.
General Manager Brett Veach will be watching closely. A strong month could make Cook an extension priority. A slow start might make him a luxury the Chiefs can’t afford.
Cook’s next month feels like the ninth inning at Kauffman—bases loaded, two outs, Royals trailing by one. Swing, and the stadium erupts. Whiff, and the silence is deafening.