Reports indicate that the Bengals are nearing the finalization of a one-year agreement with Vonn Bell.
CINCINNATI — According to sources familiar with the matter, the Bengals are set to bring back safety Vonn Bell on a one-year contract, as reported by All Bengals. After the Panthers officially released Bell on Wednesday, Cincinnati expressed interest in reuniting with the veteran to provide seasoned leadership to their youthful secondary.
Bell previously spent three seasons with the Bengals from 2020 to 2022, contributing to their consecutive appearances in the AFC Championship Games and Super Bowl LVI. With his familiarity with the team’s system and the trust of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Bell is poised to offer guidance to players like Dax Hill, Jordan Battle, Tycen Anderson, and recently acquired safety Geno Stone.
Despite signing a three-year deal with the Panthers last offseason, Bell finds himself on the free agent market after just one season in Carolina. During his tenure there, the 29-year-old tallied 69 tackles and one interception across 13 games. In his three years with the Bengals, Bell started 48 regular season games (averaging 16 per season), amassing 288 tackles and five interceptions.
Although the agreement has yet to be finalized, all indications suggest that Bell will soon rejoin forces with Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, and the Bengals’ defense, which is eager for a resurgence following a disappointing 2023 season.