We're rapidly approaching the start of training camp, and the Cincinnati Bengals' secondary remains mostly untouched. The uncertainty at the safety position has fans thinking back to better times.
With this former Bengal still on the open market, it's hard not to wish that he would sign with Cincinnati.
Vonn Bell deserves a training camp spot
Whether it's with the Bengals or not, safety Vonn Bell should be on a training camp roster.
Bell was a second-round selection for the New Orleans Saints way back in 2016. He played out his rookie contract with the Saints, solidifying himself as a quality starter, but New Orleans couldn't afford to keep him when he was up for a new deal.
After entering free agency, Bell began his first tenure with the Bengals. Bell immediately became an integral piece of Lou Anarumo's complex defensive scheme. He played over 1,000 defensive snaps in each of his first three seasons with the team. In the Bengals' Super Bowl run, Bell was crucial, coming up with an interception in the conference championship game against the Chiefs.
Bell quickly became a fan favorite. Unfortunately, he fell from those good graces just as quickly. As Anarumo's defense began to falter, Bell became expendable. In 2023, Bell left Cincinnati to play for the Carolina Panthers.
But after a brief and mildly successful stint in Carolina, Bell returned to the Bengals to help revive their secondary. We all know how that went. Cincinnati's defense as a whole was a catastrophe in 2024, leading to Anarumo's departure.
Now, Bell is a free agent without any obvious momentum toward a deal. At 30 years old, he may be past his years of anchoring an NFL secondary. His best role may be as a depth piece, helping coach up younger defensive backs.
Still, he deserves a shot to play that role somewhere.
The Bengals have done very little to address a secondary that clearly struggled last season. PFF recently ranked Cincinnati's secondary 25th in the NFL, noting their lack of movement this offseason. It's hard to argue that Bell wouldn't at least add some level of value to this team.
Even if it's not with the Bengals, Bell deserves a spot with an NFL team. He's one of the best safeties on the free agent market, and he has the Super Bowl experience that so many teams are desperate for.
This former Bengal has so much more to give in his NFL career. Let's hope that happens in Cincinnati.