CHICAGO – Coby Bryant isn’t shying away from the potential of facing his former team in his Chicago Bears debut. The newly signed safety expressed a clear message about a possible Week 1 matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, and his eagerness to prove himself against the team that drafted him.
Bryant, who signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Bears earlier this month, spent the previous four seasons in Seattle, playing a key role in their Super Bowl LX victory last season. The transition to Chicago marks a modern chapter for the 26-year-old defensive back, but one that could begin with a highly anticipated reunion.
“They Better Be Ready for Me”
Those were the words Bryant shared on the Up & Adams Demonstrate this week when discussing the possibility of opening the 2026 season against his former club. The prospect of facing the Seahawks, now his opponents, clearly excites the safety. “It wouldn’t bother me to start the season in Seattle,” Bryant said, adding, “The weather would be nice and the whole world would be watching.”
Drafted by Seattle in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Bryant steadily developed into a valuable contributor for the Seahawks. His performance reached new heights in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, largely due to a position change orchestrated by former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. Initially a cornerback, Carroll transitioned Bryant to safety, a move that ultimately unlocked his potential.
“I was pretty mad when they made me a safety a couple of years ago,” Bryant admitted, acknowledging his initial frustration with the switch. “But they knew what it could do for my career, and I’m grateful for that.” That gratitude, however, doesn’t diminish his competitive spirit as he prepares to line up against his former teammates.
The move to safety proved pivotal, allowing Bryant to utilize his athleticism and instincts in a more impactful role. He became a consistent starter in Week 7 of the 2024 season and continued to improve, finishing with four interceptions and seven passes defended in 15 games last year. His performance earned him a lucrative contract with the Bears, signaling Chicago’s belief in his ability to anchor their secondary.
Bryant’s arrival in Chicago is part of a broader effort to bolster the Bears’ defense, which struggled in the 2025 season despite the team’s overall success. Finishing 29th in the NFL in total defense and 23rd in scoring defense, the Bears recognized the need for upgrades on that side of the ball. Adding Bryant, along with linebacker Devin Bush (also signed to a three-year deal), is intended to address those deficiencies.
The Bears are hoping Bryant’s versatility and playmaking ability will provide a significant boost to their defensive backfield. His experience in Seattle’s system, which consistently ranked among the league’s best, is expected to be invaluable as Chicago looks to build a more formidable defense. He has 218 career tackles (148 solo), two sacks, four tackles for loss, seven interceptions, 17 passes defended, and seven forced fumbles across 58 regular season games.
The transition from a Super Bowl contender to a team aiming to rebuild its defense is a significant shift for Bryant. However, he appears to embrace the challenge and is eager to prove his worth in a new environment. His comments suggest a focused determination to make an immediate impact in Chicago, starting with a potential statement game against the Seahawks.
For Bryant, the opportunity to face his former teammates isn’t just about personal pride; it’s about demonstrating his growth and value as a player. He’s clearly motivated to show the Seahawks – and the rest of the league – that he’s ready to take his game to the next level with the Bears.
The Bears will open the 2026 season at home against the Detroit Lions on September 13th. A Week 2 matchup against the Seahawks in Seattle would undoubtedly be a game circled on Bryant’s calendar, offering a compelling narrative and a chance to showcase his skills against the team that helped shape his career.
The NFL schedule release, expected in May, will confirm whether Bryant’s prediction comes to fruition. Until then, he’ll continue to prepare with his new team, focused on making a significant contribution to the Bears’ defense and proving that he’s ready for any challenge, including facing his former teammates.
