RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The Cincinnati Bengals front office went all in this offseason to rebuild the defense as quickly as possible going into 2026.
The Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence and also brought in multiple free agents like Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Jonathan Allen, and others.
Cook is an exciting addition after playing college football for the Bearcats and winning multiple Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cook has been dealing with a minor hamstring injury the past few weeks but is back in action now as the final week of preseason approaches.
“I’m buzzing with a lot of excitement right now,” Cook said.
"I'm buzzing with a lot of excitement right now." Two straight days of work now for Bryan Cook after dealing with a hamstring injury. He can't wait for week one and told us he's "ready to go." #Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/OwKzkiu3lx
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) August 25, 2026
When asked about preparing for Week 1, Cook had some fun comments.
“It feels phenomenal. I am looking forward to it, especially as a hometown kid. I’m ready for that first chance to actually put on the uniform.”
Cook comes in with fantastic experience and leadership, something that the Bengals defense has desperately lacked since the departure of Jessie Bates a few years ago.
Having Cook running the show in the secondary should drastically improve a defense that was the worst I have ever seen.
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