ESPN Picks Bengals As Best Team Fit For Vonn Bell

The safety just produced arguably his best NFL season.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Publish date:
Feb 22, 2023 8:30 AM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — ESPN's Matt Bowen released his top NFL free agent fits for this cycle, and he thinks safety Vonn Bell fits perfectly where he already is.

"If (Jessie) Bates leaves via free agency, the Bengals should then bring back Bell," Bowen wrote. "A tough and physical safety who plays a key role in Lou Anarumo's defense. Bell can match to tight ends, play off the numbers in the deep half or spin down to muddy the middle of the field. The veteran safety intercepted a career-high four passes in 2022 and added eight pass breakups."

Bell has a much greater chance of returning to the Bengals based on simple numbers. Bates projects to get a deal around $14 million per year—while Bell has a lower evaluation at $9.7 million per year.

Cincinnati will be starting two new safeties if both walk, with an inexperienced Dax Hill fitting one of those roles.

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