The legal tampering period opened up on Monday, and there was a flurry of moves flying around the NFL. The Detroit Lions got involved in the action, landing starting center Cade Mays, who they signed to a three-year, $25 million contract, including $14 million guaranteed per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. And that move will likely keep Tate Ratledge at guard.
But while they were securing that deal, the Chicago Bears made a big splash to their defense, and Lions fans can't be happy about it. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that safety Coby Bryant and Chicago agreed on a three-year, $40 million deal.
That signing likely closed the door on a Jaquan Brisker return to Chicago, and that shouldn't make the Lions happy.
Lions Should Be Annoyed Bears Added Coby Bryant in Free Agency
Bryant spent the last four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he emerged as a starter over the last two seasons. Since taking over as a starter in 2024, Bryant has recorded seven interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and 17 pass deflections.
The biggest area where Bryant will improve Chicago's secondary is as a pass defender. He's finished with a 61 or higher coverage grade over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Brisker is coming off a career-low 50.9 coverage grade, per PFF.
Over the last four seasons, the Lions attacked Brisker in coverage and found success. Brisker allowed 15 catches (25 targets) for 117 receiving yards and two touchdowns. But with him expected to head elsewhere, the Bears got more stability on the backend.
But that's not what the Lions want to see. Detroit is on a mission to take down the Bears in the division next year. So them getting a safety who is coming off a Super Bowl title isn't ideal. In Brisker's last game with Chicago, the Rams made it clear they wanted to attack him, and they were successful, as he gave up four catches (8 targets) for 52 yards.
Regardless of whose back there, the Lions will need to have Jared Goff and the offense firing on all cylinders. And he's been productive in 13 career games against Chicago, logging 3,153 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 96.5. Last season, he tossed for 665 passing yards, six touchdowns, and went over 300 yards in each game.
Despite the good stats in his past, Detroit will need that to carry over into 2026 and Bryant landing in Chicago gave them an upgrade in the safety room. And fans in the Motor City can't be thrilled.