Former Ohio State Safety Vonn Bell Signs Free-Agent Deal with Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals safety Vonn Bell agreed to a deal with the Carolina Panthers on Monday, according to NFL Network writer and insider Ian Rapoport.
Bell became a free agent this offseason after the three-year, $18 million contract that he signed in March 2020 expired. The terms of his deal with the Panthers have not been disclosed at the time of publishing.
Bell played college football with Ohio State from 2013 to 2015 and was part of the Buckeyes' championship run in 2014 against Oregon.
During his time with the Buckeyes, Bell recorded 175 total tackles, 115 of which were solo. Bell had nine sacks and an interception along with those tackles, and even a defensive touchdown.
As a member of the Bengals last season, Bell was part of 77 tackles in 16 games. Additionally, Bell set a new career-high with four interceptions and was one of only 27 defensive backs to have four or more that year.
Bell was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and spent four years with the organization before signing with the Bengals and Panthers, respectively.
Bell's only defensive score at the professional level came while with the Saints in his final season back in 2019 against the Seattle Seahawks.
As the Bengals look to repeat deep runs in the playoffs, the loss of Bell will be a blow to the team.
However, Carolina finished 22nd in the league for passing and rushing defense. The addition of Bell could go a long way toward helping the Panthers get back on track.
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