Analyst believes the Bengals have a top-5 safety duo in the NFL

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Jordan Battle #27 of the Cincinnati Bengals plays in the third quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cincinnati Bengals spent big this offseason to bolster their defense as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. One of the biggest additions came at safety, as the Bengals brought in Bryan Cook from the Kansas City Chiefs.

That move is getting some major love early this preseason.

Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated ranked his top five safety duos entering the 2026 season, with Cook and Jordan Battle making the list at No. 5. They join the Ravens (No. 2) as the only AFC North team on the list.

Here is what he had to say about Battle and Cook:

Battle is one of the more underrated defenders in the league. Entering a contract year, the fourth-year safety should feel good about his negotiating position. After playing fewer than half the defensive snaps in 2023 and '24, Battle became a starter last year, earning 96% of the Bengals' defensive snaps while posting four interceptions and 125 tackles, including two for loss."

Verderame continued: Cook now joins him in the secondary, coming over on a three-year deal after playing out his rookie contract with the Chiefs. A two-time Super Bowl champ, Cook is returning to his native city and brings a wealth of talent and experience. Having started 46 games over the past three seasons, Cook has 13 passes defensed and three interceptions over that span."

As the Bengals look to return to the playoffs this coming season, a lot will depend on how well this duo holds up on the back end of the defense. Not too much longer until we see them take the field for the first time together.