Bell signed a one-year contract with the Bengals on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Bell played three seasons with Cincinnati before a one-year stay in Carolina, which saw him record 69 combined tackles and an interception in 2023 across 13 contests. The 29-year-old was released by the Panthers on Wednesday and agreed to take the minimum salary with the Bengals, as he's still getting $6 million guaranteed from his former team.
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ACTIVELatest Vonn Bell news
Defensive
Bell signed a one-year contract with the Bengals on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Bell played three seasons with Cincinnati before a one-year stay in Carolina, which saw him record 69 combined tackles and an interception in 2023 across 13 contests. The 29-year-old was released by the Panthers on Wednesday and agreed to take the minimum salary with the Bengals, as he's still getting $6 million guaranteed from his former team.
Bell is slated to be released by the Panthers ahead of the start of the new league year Wednesday. Bell signed a three-year contract with Carolina last spring, but after one season, he'll now be looking for a new home. The veteran safety appeared in 13 games last season, recording 69 tackles (42 solo), two passes defended and an interception. His exit is expected to save the team only $1 million in 2024 cap space, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports.
Bell will miss his fourth game of the season in Week 13, this time due to a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 12 at Tennessee. Sam Franklin figures to start at safety in his place Sunday.
Bell was forced out of Sunday's loss at Tennessee early due to a shoulder injury, and he's now also sitting out to start the Panthers' new week of practice. If he can't return to practice Thursday or Friday, he'll probably end up sidelined in Week 13 at Tampa Bay.
Bell suffered the injury late in the second half and will now need to wait until Week 13 to potentially return to the field. It's not yet clear what the specifics of the Ohio State product's injuries are or if he could be looking at a longer-term absence.
Bell had three tackles before suffering the injury late in the second quarter, and he's considered questionable to return. His absence will certainly be a blow to the Panthers' secondary while he is out of the game, while Alex Cook, Sam Franklin, and Jammie Robinson are all candidates to see increased snaps in his place.
Bell looks in line to snap a two-game absence streak assuming he avoids any setbacks throughout the week. If that is the case, he will presumably take on his usual role at strong safety. Thus, Alex Cook and Matthias Farley would return to their depth roles at the position.
The starting strong safety also missed the team's previous two games. Bell has 33 tackles, two passes defensed and an interception this season. Alex Cook and Matthias Farley could be in line to get more playing time in his absence.
Bell was a limited participant in all three of Carolina's practices, but it would be surprising if he manages to play. The veteran safety last took the field in Week 5 against the Lions. With Jeremy Chinn (quadriceps) on injured reserve, Alex Cook could get the start against Indianapolis if Bell sits out as expected.
Team
Cincinnati Bengals
Birthdate
12/12/1994 (29)
Status
Active
HT/WT
5'11", 205 lbs
Draft Info
2016: Rd 2; Pk (NO)
Birthplace
Chattanooga, TN, USA
Position
SAF
College
Ohio State
Experience
9th season
Career History
Carolina Panthers
2023 - 2024
(1 season)
Cincinnati Bengals
2020 - Present
(3 seasons)
New Orleans Saints
2016 - 2020
(4 seasons)
Previous Game
0
Final
9
2
TOTAL
0
SACK
0
INT
2023 Regular Season Stats
SK
TK
AST
INT
TFL
0
42
27
1
0
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