Ahead of the 2026 free agency frenzy, a former standout Bengal has announced some major career news.
Former Bengals Safety Vonn Bell Joins Colorado Coaching Staff
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Cam Akers #23 of the Los Angeles Rams carries the ball as Vonn Bell #24 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Former Bengals standout safety Vonn Bell has officially joined Deion Sanders’ Colorado coaching staff.
James Rapien of Sports Illustrated had the report.
“Former Bengals safety Vonn Bell has a new job. The veteran announced that he’s now the safeties coach at Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders.
Bell served as a defensive analyst for the Buffaloes in 2025 while waiting for an NFL opportunity. It looks like he’s moving past his playing days, even though he never announced his retirement.”
Vonn Bell commented on his new venture on Instagram.
“IM THANKFUL, IM BLESSED, IM GRATEFUL. LETS WORK!”
His college ball was played at Ohio State University. There, he contributed to a National Championship winning effort in 2015. That year, he was also given First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten honors.
Bell was the 61st overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He would play there until 2019. He had two stints with the Bengals, the first ranging from 2020 through 2022. Vonn went to the Panthers for 2023, and returned to the Bengals in 2024 where he played his final professional ball.
Bell finishes his NFL career with some impressive numbers.
- 760 tackles
- 9.5 sacks
- 16 forced fumbles
- 12 fumble recoveries
- 39 pass deflections
- 8 interceptions
- 1 defensive touchdown
Best of luck to Mr. Bell and the Colorado Buffaloes this season.
Cinci Urged to Alter Contracts of QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 14: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Cincinnati needs to invest a lot of cash in their defense. After a rough showing in 2025, some of the lone bright spots of the defense have expiring contracts. Trey Hendrickson, Mike Hilton, and Geno Stone all can test the open market in a couple of weeks.
Sports Illustrated has pointed out a way for the Bengals to almost double their available cap space.
“The Bengals currently have over $52 million in cap space, which ranks seventh in the NFL. That number would jump by $32.52 million if they restructured Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase’s current contracts.
They could save $19.228 million in cap space by restructuring Burrow’s contract. They’d save $13.292 million by restructuring Chase’s contract. Suddenly, the Bengals would go from having $52 million in space to nearly $85 million in room to work with this offseason.
This is a no-brainer for a team that needs to make significant additions on defense.”
This influx of money could be the difference of them re-signing Trey Hendrickson or not. Other notable defensive free agents include Bryan Cook, Devin Lloyd, and Jaelen Phillips.
Bengals’ Former Safety Gets Major Career News