Bengals Have Safety Battle Brewing![\"Cincinnati](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/01kvxn1ej7710rbxhs22.jpg\" "\\"Cincinnati")
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Jun 16, 2026; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Kyle Dugger (29) catches a pass during minicamp at Kettering Health Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ve always liked Bryan Cook,\u201d Cosell said.<\/a> \u201cI think he stabilizes the safety position. We’ll see who plays the other safety. Jordan Battle has been very up and down in his short career with the Bengals. They brought in Kyle Dugger. I think that’ll be a training camp battle.\u201d<\/p>\n Battle has flashed at times, but he hasn’t secured the long-term role. He played 617 snaps at free safety and 329 in the box last season, finishing with 76 tackles and four interceptions \u2014 three of which were returned for touchdowns. Where Battle struggled was in coverage and on open-field tackles; he posted a 54.5 PFF coverage grade and a 59.1 PFF tackling grade.<\/a><\/p>\n There’s a stylistic difference between the two, which could make the competition even more interesting. If the Bengals want a player with greater range and familiarity with the system, Battle could have the edge. However, if they want more physicality and versatility, Dugger offers another option.<\/p>\n Either way, Cincinnati needed more competition in the secondary after last season. They have enough offensive firepower to compete with any team in the league, leaving their defense to hold up better if they are to become a true Super Bowl contender once again.<\/p>\n There’s no doubt Cook, who signed a three-year, $40.25 million deal with Cincinnati, will be a starter. The battle next to him could easily become one of the most important storylines of training camp.<\/p>\n Check out the full clip below:<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you score 30 plus points and lose those games, you HAVE to invest in your defense\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt his best, he’s a TOP three D-Tackle in the league.\u201d@GregCosell<\/a> on the Bengals adding Dexter Lawrence this offseason: pic.twitter.com\/DBsr2vGtKD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) June 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Sign Up For Our DAILY Newsletter for More Free Coverage of the Cincinnati Bengals Delivered to You Directly<\/a><\/p>\n For more on the Bengals,\u00a0subscribe to our YouTube Channel and be sure to check us out on your favorite audio platforms, including\u00a0Apple Podcasts<\/a>,\u00a0Spotify<\/a>,\u00a0iHeartRadio<\/a>, and\u00a0Amazon<\/a>. Make sure you\u00a0bookmark BengalsTalk.com\u00a0for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns, and so much more!\u00a0We’re\u00a0a one-stop shop for all things Cincinnati Bengals! Join the\u00a065,000+ Bengals fans who subscribe to us on YouTube.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.minutemediacdn.com\/platform\/google_discover_icon.svg\"){kind=icon}
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