Matt Verderame from Sports Illustrated ranked his top five safety duos entering the 2026 season, and the Cincinnati Bengals' new pairing of Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle landed at No. 5. This isn't just a nod, it's a massive statement about the big defensive moves the Bengals made this offseason, signaling they're ready to bounce back after a tough 2025 season. When a major analyst slots you into the top tier, it means expectations are sky-high, and the AFC North should absolutely be paying attention to this duo. Only the Ravens, coming in at No. 2, share that top-tier distinction in the division.
Jordan Battle's Rise and What It Means for His Payout
Seriously, if you haven't been watching Jordan Battle, you've been missing out. Verderame called him "one of the more underrated defenders in the league," and that's no joke. This guy is heading into his fourth year, and it's a contract year for him, which means the stakes are massive! He should be feeling great about his negotiating position after what he pulled off last season. In 2023 and 2024, Battle was playing fewer than half the Bengals' defensive snaps, which is crazy to think about now. But last year, everything clicked. He became a full-time starter, getting on the field for an insane 96% of the defensive snaps. And he didn't waste a single one of them, racking up four interceptions and a whopping 125 tackles, including two for loss. Those are the kind of numbers that scream "playmaker," and if he keeps that up, the Bengals are going to have to open up the checkbook to keep him.Bryan Cook Brings Super Bowl Shine to the Secondary
Now, Battle isn't doing this alone. The Bengals went out and spent big to bring in Bryan Cook from the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year deal. This move is pure genius for a defense looking to elevate its game. Cook just finished his rookie contract with the Chiefs, and get this: he's a two-time Super Bowl champ. You can't put a price on that kind of winning experience and leadership, especially for a team trying to find its way back to contention. Cook is even returning to his native city, which has to add some extra fire. He's not just a feel-good story, though. Over the past three seasons, he's started 46 games, tallying 13 passes defensed and three interceptions. That's a ton of talent and experience now pairing up with Battle, creating a serious force in the secondary. The Bengals are laser-focused on returning to the playoffs this season after their 2025 disappointment. A huge chunk of that success is going to ride on how well this Cook and Battle duo holds down the back end of the defense. It won't be long until we finally see them take the field together for the first time, and you can bet fans are champing at the bit to see if this top-five ranking translates to wins.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.